abou T ime your copy to keep
march 2012
license
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g Di vinal Aliw l Shoa
Time out in TANKWA TOWN
Contents March 2012
28 What drives people to push themselves to the edge with extreme sports? Bob Truda speaks to some self confessed adrenaline junkies to find out. Cover pic © iStockphoto.com
Features 28 34 54 66
License to Thril The Best Redbull Moments of 2011 – Photo Essay Time Out in Tankwa Town – AfrikaBurn Felicity Aston’s Antarctic Adventure
Travel 42 58 62 73
I needed to find a luxury resort that was exquisite, yet affordable. And so, naturally, I booked in at The Stanley & Livingstone at Victoria Falls.
Diving ‘The Shoal’ A Wild Weekend at the Stanley & Livingstone Jambo! – Welcome to Mombasa A Day in the Country – Magaliesberg Musts
Motoring 94 96 98 10
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Out of the Box The New Honda Civic Boom! – The New Chevrolet Sonic
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Entertainment & Sport 48 79 83 87 107
Even Mountain Goats Stray from the Path – Nicholas Rupanga Recipes from Bosman’s The ABSA Cape Epic Spyt Bestaan Nie in dié Rugbylegende se Woordeskat The Voice of Golf turns 80 – Denis Hutchinson
Business 91
Saving for Retirement
Each of us has different goals and lifestyle costs, so there is no magic formula that will work for everyone, but here are some guidelines that might help.
Regulars 2011 was a busy year for the Red Bull athletes, and included such highlights as Sebastian Vettel’s triumphant F1 victory; the gruesome journey of the Red Bull X-Alps athletes; and the gravity defying action of the Red Bull X-Fighters.
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Editor’s Letter - Nicky Furniss CEO Letter - Rodney James Passenger Letters - Have your Say Out & About – March Diary Time to Travel – Top Travel Tips How about That – Lifestyle Guide Whereabouts – Adrenaline Adventures Culture Club – Entertainment Reviews Tech Time – Gadgets & Goodies About-turn – For Fun Time to Brag – 1time is Set to Soar in 2012 Flight Schedule Menu
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Editor
WIN!
Nicky Furniss
When I was a child, the annual agricultural show was the highlight of my social calendar. Not only because I could enter my school artworks to be judged, eat Dodo’s famous doughnuts until I was sick and visit the bunnies in the farm section, but because there was (joy of all childhood joys) a funfair! My parents always cleverly left this part of the day to the very end, so that by the time we finally stepped onto that grassy field and saw the twinkling lights and twirling rides, our excitement was at a fever pitch. And never more so than the year when my brother and I were finally tall enough to ride the giant rollercoaster, The Looping Star. Everything in our young childhood existence had led up to this point, when we were finally taller than that pesky height bar that had turned us away so many times in the previous years. To be fair, as tall children, we had a shorter wait than most, and in retrospect that was perhaps not a good thing. When my mum waved our coaster carriage goodbye, we were full of smiles and excitement, but the children who met her on the other end were ghostly white and extremely subdued. To this day, I still loathe roller coasters and the very thought of riding one sends me into a mild panic. I also don’t like heights; can think of nothing worse than leaping out of an airplane (willingly or not); and horror stories of detached retinas have effectively put paid to any ideas (though I will admit that there were very few to start off with) I ever had about possibly bungee jumping. Friends have laughed at me in the past and called me a bit of a wimp, and I will admit that I am not exactly your typical extreme sports kind of girl. But then I would also argue that “extreme” is very much in the eye of the beholder. For example, I backpacked through Vietnam, Malaysia and Borneo completely on my own; I ate a live grub in the Thai jungle (and no, it didn’t taste like chicken); I rode a semi-feral pony in Mongolia (which involved signing an indemnity as long as my arm); and I used a public toilet in China (if you have ever been to China you will understand just how hardcore this makes me!). Then of course there are the extreme things that I do regularly, like drive through rush hour traffic – in the rain! Or queue in Home Affairs, or withstand the perpetual rudeness of the check-out tellers at the supermarket, or admit to being a Shark’s supporter in the middle of Blue Bull territory. Yup, I think I am pretty extreme, and as a fellow South African I am pretty sure that you are too. So embrace your bravery and celebrate your “hardcore-ness” this month. You don’t have to jump off the side of a building to be extreme; most of us just have to get out of bed in the morning!
Eco Fun
Canopy Tours® take people into previously inaccessible parts of nature, with platforms built among the branches of indigenous trees and against the cliffs of mountains. These are joined by zipline cables that are slung high above the forest floor. Enjoy flying along the slides, or spend a few minutes absorbing the tranquillity of your natural surroundings on each of the platforms. Trained canopy guides ensure the safety of each group, while describing interesting facts about the surrounding environment. There are six official Canopy Tours® in Southern Africa (Tsitsikamma, Karkloof, Magaliesberg, Magoebaskloof, Drakensberg and Swaziland) and they are suitable for all ages. Canopy Tours® are a great outing for nature lovers, thrill seekers and corporate groups alike. For more information, visit www.canopytour.co.za. Four lucky abouTime readers will win double tickets to a Canopy Tour® of their choice. To enter, simply SMS the word TIME, followed by the word CANOPY and your NAME to 35131. Cost per SMS is R1,50. Competition closes 31st March 2012. By entering this competition you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to abouTime and/or 1time airline. Terms and conditions apply.
January Winners CC Bags
Michael Chilcott, Gerrie Ludick, Cheryl Nel
Enjoy,
Kalahari.com Vouchers
Kathryn Cupido, Lauren Artus
SoPure Hampers
Jolene Lazarus, Kensy Savari, Letisia Griessel
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CEO Letter
1time airline Call Centre: +27 11 086 8000 Head Office Switchboard: +27 11 086 8100 Publisher TCB Publishing PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028 Tel: +27 861 THE MAG Fax: +27 88 012 346 2367 mail@tcbpublishing.co.za
Rodney James
TCB Managing director Bernard Hellberg | bernard@tcbgroup.co.za
Welcome on board 1time airline and thank you for choosing us as your preferred carrier. As always, our friendly and highly efficient cabin crew are available to make sure that your journey is pleasant, comfortable and enjoyable. Should you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. With the new year already in full swing, 1time has flown into March with high optimism after the launch of two new exciting route developments which will add increased value to our customers, and is consistent with our desire to expand our reach in 2012. The first major development is a new route to Mombasa, Kenya, with two direct flights available every Friday and Monday from OR Tambo International Airport to Mombasa International Airport. The tickets will vary in price from R2,477 to R4,377 between Johannesburg and Mombasa, depending on seasonality and demand. This will ensure the creation of very competitive package holidays to Kenya. Mombasa as a holiday destination offers unlimited potential. Apart from the best white sandy beaches in Africa, the destination also offers a rich cultural heritage. The city traces many of its traditions to former Portuguese, Arab and British settlers, all of which have left a lasting influence on Mombasa’s food, architecture, and people. Tours of the town, safaris in game parks, and camping trips can all be included in your vacation plan. Mombasa is our second East African route following the launch of Zanzibar, Tanzania, five years ago. The success of this route has been phenomenal and we attribute this to our low cost fares, which have made it an affordable destination. Added to this, of course, is Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches, the world class water sports on offer, the coral reefs that are rich in marine diversity, and the historical value of Stone Town, to name but a few attractions. Getting back to local business, we are also very pleased to announce that we will be operating from Lanseria International Airport from 5th March 2012. Lanseria, which is less than 50 km from Johannesburg and Pretoria, makes a great alternative to the busy OR Tambo International Airport, especially for those living in the northern and western suburbs of Johannesburg. This new terminus will allow our passengers to connect to Durban and Cape Town twice daily, with flight arrivals and departures each morning and afternoon/evening. We are very enthusiastic about the positive benefits that this new airport will offer our airline, and believe that the sustained development and growth of Lanseria will add immense value to 1time’s bottom line. We look forward to our customers experiencing these new routes in 2012, and discovering how 1time is making flying easy and affordable. Until next time,
Rodney James
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Editor Nicky Furniss nicky@aboutime.co.za | +27 12 425 5856 Advertising Sales sales manager Estelle van der Westhuizen | +27 84 821 7257 estellevdw@tcbgroup.co.za Cape Town sales manager Nikki de Lange | +27 83 415 0339 nikki@tcbgroup.co.za sales executives Robyn Shillaw-Botha | +27 83 629 8818 Bobby Cousins | +27 83 532 6773 Bryan Kayavhu | +27 73 231 8063 Images iStockphoto.com, Stock.Xchng Design & Layout Joanne Mc Laren Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room joanne@virtualdavinci.co.za Webmaster webmaster@aboutime.co.za PRINTING Business Print Centre, Pretoria Contributors to this Issue Bob Truda, Keith Bain, Nicky Furniss, Adam Cruise, Blake Michael, Christo Valentyn, Carla van der Spuy, Dale Hayes, Warren Ingram/Finweek, Bernard K Hellberg, Rebecca Johnson. abouTime is published monthly by TCB Publishing on behalf of 1time airline. Opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of TCB Publishing, 1time airline or any of their clients. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in the publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the Editor. Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcome, but the publisher, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Please ensure that all material is posted by registered mail to PO Box 11273, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028. Copyright © 2012. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to TCB Publishing and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.
Letters Winning Letter Dear 1time Right at the beginning when 1time first took to the air, I heard comments like: “You will fly with them one time only and never again.” And somehow these got stuck in my memory. That is, until recently when I had to fly to Cape Town and found the best deal on 1time. I thought: “Let’s go for it.” And I am so glad that I did! Buying tickets online with my debit card: great. Checking in online and choosing the seat I wanted four days prior to my flight: fantastic. Getting to the airport, boarding ticket in hand, and just having to drop my luggage at the e-check-in counter: easy as pie. Quick and efficient boarding procedures: shweeeet. I saw the slogan on the aircraft which read: “Flying the Fans.” And I thought: “That’s me.” During the flight I had an opportunity to page through your in-flight magazine, abouTime, which is a nice read with many interesting articles. I was so impressed with 1time the first time, that I have booked several flights with you since. On these occasions we received great service from both your ground staff and in-flight staff, not to mention smooth flying by the pilots. I love the MD aircraft also. I read some comments and complaints on your Facebook page, and can say that all airlines have their operational challenges, and I think passengers need to understand that to-the-minute departures and arrivals cannot be guaranteed due to a number of variables. These include traffic congestion, weather conditions and operational challenges. I have experienced this on various other airlines, including those who are charging double and triple the price. Not even paying more for your ticket can guarantee on-time departures and arrivals. I have flown 1time four times now, and will definitely fly with you again. Kind regards Douw Prinsloo
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Dear 1time Towards the end of last year, I flew into OR Tambo from Central Africa late at night. I was held up at the airport waiting to collect my tool box from the Fragile Baggage handlers. It was rather late when I finally got to my hotel, and I set my alarm for an early start so that I could be at the airport in time to check in for the first flight of the morning with 1time, in order to get back home to Durban. When my alarm went off, I realised with all the hassle the night before, that I had forgotten to set my phone back to South African time, and I was now a whole hour late. Needless to say, when I got to the check-in my plane was already preparing for takeoff and I had officially missed my flight for the first time ever (I pride myself on always being on or before time). I realised that I was going to have to buy a new ticket. But when I explained my situation to your ground crew, the situation was judged on its merits, and I was allowed to transfer my now useless ticket to a later flight in the day. It only cost me the transfer costs, and quickly eased my mounting stress levels. Your ground crew were very accommodating and more than helpful. They could have simply insisted that I buy a new ticket, and they would have been within their rights, but instead they went the extra mile. I will always use 1time as my first choice, knowing that 1time has my best interests at heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Kind regards Karl Schürmann
Have a complaint or comment?
Ask your flight attendant for a feedback form and let us know what is on your mind, or send an email to cr@1time.co.za. * Letters may be edited, shortened or translated from their original language.
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The writer of this edition’s Letter of the Month will receive an iLuv ArtStation valued at R1,500. The ArtStation speaker dock delivers good looks and even better studio sound quality than you would have thought possible from a system of this size. Movies and music from your iPad (or any Apple iOS device) come to life with unparalleled richness, made possible by the ArtStation’s jAura technology. This portable speaker also offers a host of flexible viewing options, thanks to its innovative arm, which tilts and rotates. The iLuv ArtStation syncs with iTunes on your computer when it is docked, and enjoys the full functions of the iLuv App, which is available for free from the App Store. It also charges your iPod, iPad or iPhone while they are docked. The iLuv ArtStation is available at leading retailers nationwide. For more information, contact Cortech on +27 11 463 8530 or email sales@cortechsa.co.za.
Become ita fan. Vis
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ok on Facebo
Rocking the Republic RAMfest, South Africa’s ultimate rock festival, is due to get hearts racing and heads banging in no fewer than five different cities in March. The festival kicks off on 2nd March in Port Elizabeth, and then moves to Bloemfontein on the 3rd. Origin Night Club in Durban will play host to the festival on 9th March, before it moves to Johannesburg on 10th March and Cape Town on the 11th. Although the line-up will vary from city to city, some of the top bands that have already signed on include In Flames from Sweden and Netsky from Belgium, as well as South Africa’s own Fokofpolisiekar and Taxi Violence. Tickets are available from Ticketbreak. Visit www.ramfest.co.za for more information.
The Write Stuff
The written word takes centre stage as South African and international writers gather in Durban for a week long programme of stimulating literary events during the 15th Time of the Writer Festival. Readings, dialogue and debate will take place nightly at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, with daily activities at various tertiary institutions, community centres, schools and other venues. The festival, which runs from 19th to 24th March, is coordinated by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and its principal supporter is the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund. For more information, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za.
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A Unique Exhibition
Art lovers are in for a treat from 15th to 25th March when The Trinity Session’s Review exhibition will run at 281 Commissioner Street in Johannesburg. From Dakar and Martinique to Mali and Mozambique, The Trinity Session’s members, Stephen Hobbs and Marcus Neustetter, have investigated social and electronic networks and varied urban terrains. Much of their work is experiential and ephemeral in form, and the exhibition will be made up of light with video, photography, mind maps and artefacts transformed onto large projection surfaces. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to see The Trinity Session’s groundbreaking work, which has been developed over the past ten years. Visit www.onair.co.za for more information.
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out &about Enjoy the Fruits of the Harvest
Immerse yourself in the thick of the harvest at Paarl’s OmmiBerg Round the Rock Festival on 10th March. Savour new vintage wines from the tank at award winning estates, stomp grapes, or sun yourself on the lawn while indulging in farm fresh delicacies. Divert the kids’ attention with pony rides, slip ’n’ slides, face painting, balloon shaping and croquet, while you take in the ambient tunes of popular local bands. Tickets are available through Computicket at www.computicket. com. Visit www.ommiberg.co.za for more information.
April Adapt or Fly – Pieter-Dirk 03 Uys’ latest hilarious satirical offering will run at the Joburg Theatre from 3rd to 29th April. Tickets are available from www.joburgtheatre.com. the table for an 26 Setting abundance of trends and décor adventures,
Decorex returns to the Mother City from 26th to 29th April. Visit www.decorex.co.za for more information. lovers can look forward 27 Dairy to a feast of all things cheesy at the SA
Cheese Festival, which takes
place from 27th to 30th April in Sandringham in the Western Cape. Tickets are available from Computicket or Checkers stores. Visit www.cheesefestival.co.za for more information.
Culturally Speaking…
The 18th Absa KKNK will run from 31st March to 7th April in Oudtshoorn, and will once again celebrate the country’s superb artistic talent. Drama lovers can look forward to Nicola Hanekom’s production Babbel, which focuses on the aftermath of a revolution where language disintegrates and results in chaos. Vlam will be presented by the Namjive Dance Company and combines dance theatre with visual effects, music, sculptures, giant puppets and even flames under the Klein Karoo stars. Festival goers can also look forward to music productions, lifestyle experiences for the whole family and the Rivierbuurt, which promises delicious food stalls and the Absa Arts Market. Tickets are available from Computicket. Visit www.absakknk.co.za for the full festival line-up.
May enthusiasts can head 20 Outdoor for the green hills of KwaZuluNatal for the Husqvarna
Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and
Trail Run on 20th May 2012. Enter online at www.roag.co.za. For more information, visit www.husqvarnaclassic.co.za.
a glass and share a 23 Raise little spirit/s at the Fine
Brandy Fusion at the
Sandton Convention Centre from 23rd to 25th May. Visit www.brandyfusion.co.za for more information. Tickets are available from Computicket or at the door.
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Visit with Visa With December now an almost distant memory, many of us are already feeling in need of another holiday. To whet your appetite, Visa has created a portfolio of special offers exclusively for Visa cardholders which promote the best of South Africa’s wonderful travel offerings. The 2012 Visit with Visa brochure includes reduced rates at some of South Africa’s favourite attractions. These range from Maropeng and the Apartheid Museum for culture vultures, to hot air ballooning and canopy tours for outdoor types. Adrenaline seekers are also catered for with discounts on shark cage diving and bungee jumping. Visit www.visa.co.za to download your brochure.
Walking on the Wild Side Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Klein Karoo now offer a new “Explorer Camp” experience. This gives guests an opportunity to explore these rich wilderness and Big Five areas on a two day walking safari. Accommodation in tents is provided. The Shamwari Explorer will operate throughout the year, while the Sanbona Explorer will operate from October until April each year. Accompanied by a qualified guide, Explorer Camp is ideal for guests who wish to truly get back to nature, while still enjoying comfortable accommodation and a delicious outdoor bush menu. Visit www.shamwarigroup.com for more information.
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A Voyage of Discovery
traveltip
According to the results of the 2011 Expat Explorer Survey, South Africa was ranked as the world’s third friendliest country, just behind New Zealand and Australia. HSBC surveyed over 3,000 expatriates in 100 countries, and they were asked to rate their new homes in terms of how easy it is to befriend locals, learn the local language, fit into the new culture and integrate into the community. South Africa, friendly? Of course!
Discovery Adventure Tours has recently expanded its offering to include a number of exciting new itineraries around the world. The tour company now offers 31 itineraries in 26 countries on all seven continents. In true Discovery style, each trip also incorporates an element of cultural learning into the travel experience. Each of these new trips – to Vietnam, Ecuador, Jordan, Nepal, Tanzania and Southern Africa – include breakfast daily, comfortable accommodation and an array of additional inclusions. Trips range from eight to 24 days, and adventurers can explore volcanoes at the equator, take a dip in the Dead Sea, or find their inner spirit in Nepal. Visit www.discoveryadventures.com for more information.
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how {about} that From Russia with Love Russia’s premium vodka, Russia Standard Vodka, is now available in South Africa. Recognised in its homeland as a benchmark for excellence, Russian Standard Original was first commissioned by Tsar Alexander III. It is currently the only premium vodka in South Africa that is made exclusively in Russia, using only Russian ingredients (including wheat from the Russian steppes and glacial water from the frozen north). Russian Standard Original can be enjoyed mixed with tonic water, in a cocktail or simply with ice in a single shot. Russian Standard Vodka is available from most major liquor outlets.
Get Fi t for Free
top pit
Lifestyle and wellness expert, Lisa Raleigh, and Bosch Home Appliances have joined forces with Durban’s Suncoast Casino to offer weekly SUNfit morning and evening classes free to the public. The SUNFit sessions take place twice daily from Monday to Saturday, and include a range of exercise classes such as kickboxing, Zumba and Yoga. The weekday morning sessions take place between 06h00 and 07h00; the afternoon sessions run from 17h30 to 18h30; and there are two classes on Saturdays (07h00 to 08h00 and 08h15 to 09h15). Email marketing@lisaraleigh.co.za for more information.
Zando (www.zando.co.za) is a trendy and highly secure online fashion superstore which boasts a wide range of local and international brands available for purchase from anywhere in the country. Customers can expect to find everything from shoes and accessories to bags and apparel – all delivered straight to your door!
Beauty in a Box Thanks to the recent launch of GlossyBox South Africa, local ladies will be able to try out a whole host of new beauty and cosmetic products for a subscription fee of just R130 per month. Subscribers sign up at www.glossybox.co.za, and fill in their own personal beauty profile. A selection of four or five luxury trial products (specifically suited to their personal profile) is then delivered to their home every month. Each GlossyBox also contains product information, application notes and tips and tricks about beauty. GlossyBox gives top beauty and cosmetic houses an opportunity to introduce their latest products to specific target audiences, while subscribers get to pamper themselves and find products that work best for them. Visit www.glossybox.co.za to subscribe.
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FEATURE Story by Bob Truda Pix Š Kenneth Rayner, Ryan Stuart, Munya Gwanzura & iStockphoto.com
License to
Thrill What drives people to push
themselves to the edge with extreme sports? Bob Truda speaks to some self confessed adrenaline junkies to find out.
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Diving off the wing of a plane may sound like a death wish to some, but to others, it is the experience of a lifetime. “When the door opens, the cold air hits your face and the smell of aviation fuel fills your nostrils... It’s game on every time,” says formation skydiving cameraman Daniel Scott. “I don’t really know what attracted me to it in the beginning, but I do know that I was completely hooked after my first free fall.” While it is the inexplicability of extreme sports, its “against all odds” nature that seems to be the main draw card for enthusiasts, Johannesburg based counselling psychologist Paul Galbraith believes that there is a very real reason why people seek adrenaline-fuelled adventure. “We all operate within three different zones: the comfort zone, the stretch zone and the panic zone,” he explains. “Our comfort zone, as the name implies, is the state in which we spend most of our time during general daily life. In this zone we are not likely to push ourselves too much and will generally progress along comfortably, without learning much about ourselves and our world.” Paul goes on to explain that reaching the other extreme, our panic zone, can be bewildering and even dangerous. “Our panic zone is where we are overwhelmed by the situation and actually fear that we might die or be severely injured. This is obviously not a good state to be in.” Our stretch zone, on the other hand, is a state that holds a real risk, without being out of our control. This state, which lies between the other two, says Paul, is where extreme sports fit in. “This is a state in which we are challenging ourselves to achieve something that is rather frightening, but also something that we feel we can handle.” He explains that people who regularly push themselves into their
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stretch zones will learn more about their abilities, which can be a very rewarding experience. This is why people will often become “addicted” to extreme sports. “Every time we achieve something in our stretch zone, the boundary between our perceived stretch and panic zones shifts, meaning that we are continuously pushing the limits of what we can achieve.” Professional stuntman and extreme sports enthusiast, Ryan Stuart, agrees. “Many people do extreme sports to push their boundaries. They crave those moments of total focus where time slows down and complete power and responsibility lie in your own hands.” And often, people use this thrill as a way to escape the humdrum of everyday life. For biker Munya Gwanzura, hitting the track on a powerful sport bike at the weekends offers a much needed diversion from his stressful job as an attorney. “When I’m on the bike,” he says, “it’s me, the road and the bike. I can’t afford to think about my problems or about anything else. I have an opportunity to co-exist with everyone and everything, but also to create my own space and clear my mind.” Daniel, in turn, finds skydiving the ultimate way to live in the present. “I love the way it brings you into the moment. When you’re training for a competition and you’re in the door of the plane about to go, there’s no space for anything else in your mind. So from that point of view, it gives you a complete break from all the day-to-day things.”
Ryan Stuart takes part in extreme sports as a way of pushing his boundaries
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He adds: “It’s impossible to be thinking of the daily baggage you may be carrying around when you are making snap decisions under extreme conditions. I find in these situations, time seems to slow down, and the adrenaline allows you to make these decisions in fractions of a second.” But there is no denying that launching yourself off a cliff, racing full
Skydiving cameraman Daniel Scott believes that skydiving is ultimate way to live in the present
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Tel: (011) 298 9800
www.restonicsa.co.za
(011) 493 2447
Hitting the track on his bike is a great stress reliever for Munya Gwanzura
speed around a track or escaping a film director’s bomb blast is about more than just focus and improved decision making. As Franklin D Roosevelt famously said: “We’ve got nothing to fear but fear itself.” And extreme sports offer the ideal way to overcome our fears. These sports, by their very definition, are adrenaline-fuelled activities in which the players are fully exposed and at the direct mercy of risk. The challenge and appeal lies in remaining calm and applying skill to get through the activity safely. “Every time I get onto my bike, I am very aware of the fact that things could go horribly wrong,” says Munya. “But the feeling I get when things don’t go wrong far outweighs the fear that comes with getting onto the bike in the first place.” Daniel agrees that fear is countered by control. “Once you’ve left the plane, and you stop accelerating,” he says, “it’s more like flying than falling, and it’s the most incredible feeling of freedom.” Overcoming fear creates a sense of confidence and achievement that adrenaline junkies are adamant is hard to find elsewhere. “Biking gives me a sense of personal identity; something that distinguishes me from everyone else,” says Munya. “I bought my bike as a challenge to myself. It’s about conquering myself internally.” By pushing our boundaries physically, mentally and emotionally, we get to see what we are capable of, and there is no denying that there is a great sense of achievement to be had from this.
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Many people say extreme sports fundis have a death wish. But after chatting to a few, we could look at it the other way around. Perhaps all adrenaline junkies are actually expressing a life wish. A desire to live life to the absolute fullest and to be the best they can possibly be. T
As well as being an extreme sports fanatic, Ryan Stuart also gets an adrenaline rush from his day job as a professional stuntman
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fine art Pix © Redbull Content Pool/Scott Serfas, Marcelo Maragni, Graeme Murray, Brian Nevins, Justin Kosman, rutgerpauw.com, Fredrik Clement, Lucas Gilman, Felix Woelk, Paulo Calisto and Dean Treml/Red Bull Cliff Diving
Giving Extreme Sports
Wings The Best Redbull Moments of 2011
Since its launch in 1987, Red Bull has become the most popular energy drink in the world and more than three billion cans are sold each year. Along with its catchy slogan (“Red Bull gives you wings”), the energy drink has also become synonymous with extreme sports through its numerous tournament, team and athlete sponsorships. 2011 was a busy year for the Red Bull athletes, and included such highlights as Sebastian Vettel’s triumphant F1 victory; the gruesome journey of the Red Bull X-Alps athletes; and the gravity defying action of the Red Bull X-Fighters. We relive some of the year’s most outstanding extreme sports moments through these breathtaking images.
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John Jackson is chased by a helicopter while snowboarding down a spine in the Alaska backcountry
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Eduard Nikolaev (driver), Rybakov (co-driver) and Mizyukaev (co-driver) in action during the 5th stage of Dakar Rally 2011 between Calama and Iquique, Chile
Jonatan Paredes of Mexico dives from the 27.25 metre platform during the second stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at Ik Kil cenote in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
Chuck Berry base jumping at the Wonderland Valley during the Red Bull Airborne in Wanaka, New Zealand
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Simon Dumont seen skiing in Squaw Valley, USA
Dennis Enarson jumping his BMX bike during the Red Bull Dream Line at Coffee Mill Ski Area in Wabasha, USA
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Mikkel Bech Jensen riding at Glumsoe Speedway Track, Denmark
An event participant gets airborne during the Red Bull Dirt Pipe in Mount Beauty, Australia
Rafael Ortiz in action at the Big Banana Waterfall in Tlapacoyan, Mexico
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An event participant flies around Piz Palue during the Red Bull X-Alps 2011 in Switzerland
Team Vespabull performing at the Red Bull Soap Box in Lisboa, Portugal
Adrenaline Inducing Adventures
where
abouts Story by Rebecca Johnson, Pic © iStockphoto.com
As if dicing with taxis in Friday afternoon traffic, rising food prices and the evening news isn’t terrifying enough, some South Africans still feel the need to raise their heart rates even further. So just for those thrill seekers among us, here is our top pick of the country’s best activities for adrenaline junkies.
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Crocodile Cage Diving You thought cage diving with Great White sharks was terrifying, but how about getting in the water with a couple of 4 m long Nile crocodiles who view you as a potentially tasty snack? This latest up close and personal predator experience is a world first for South Africa, and is guaranteed to get your heart racing. Even though the cages are designed to withstand the incredible pressure of a crocodile’s bite (which is four times stronger than that of a Great White shark), it is still terrifying to see these hunting machines in action in their natural habitat. Crocodile cage diving is currently offered in Oudtshoorn and Brits. Visit www.cango.co.za or www.crocodileadventures.co.za for more information.
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Ride the Tower of Terror
Dive with Tiger Sharks
It is one thing to dive with some of the world’s deadliest aquatic predators with the protection of a cage, but quite another to dive into the midst of a school of 7 m long Tiger sharks, with nothing between you and them but the neoprene of your wetsuit! Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks on KwaZuluNatal’s coast have long been shark hotspots, with divers being privy to sightings of Blacktip and Ragged Tooth sharks. Now, with the help of a baiting technique which closely resembles the Tiger sharks’ natural feeding habits, brave divers and even snorkelers can experience the underwater thrill of a lifetime with anywhere from three to 15 Tiger sharks at a time. Dive operators follow strict safety protocols, however this is certainly not an activity for the faint of heart! Visit www.africandiveadventures.co.za or www.sharkbookings.com for more information.
Ever since it opened, Gold Reef City’s Tower of Terror has been held in almost mythical regard by extreme ride fundis the world over. And it’s little wonder, as this heart-stopping ride makes the most of the area’s mining history by plunging its occupants at a crazy speed of 100 km/h straight down an open mine shaft! The ride includes a terrifying 50 m drop, and its “pull out” at the bottom features a positive G-force of 6.3 Gs. Gold Reef City have given the Tower of Terror a fear factor rating of ten out of ten, and for many, just watching other people go on it is an adrenaline rush all on its own! The Gold Reef City Theme Park is open from 09h30 to 17h00 Monday to Sunday (during Gauteng school holidays) and Wednesday to Sunday (out of season).
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Bungee Jump off the Bloukrans River Bridge
The Bloukrans River Bridge is currently the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge. With a title like that under its belt, it seems a waste for South African thrill seekers not to jump at the opportunity to throw themselves off it! And if you need any more motivation to launch yourself off the 216 m high bridge, it also boasts spectacularly scenic views of the surrounding Tsitsikamma area of the Garden Route. You may even bump into a celebrity or two while you there. After all, the likes of Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Slater have all taken the plunge there. The Bloukrans bungee jump, run by Face Adrenalin, operates every day, weather depending. For more information, visit www.faceadrenalin.com.
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FEATURE Story by Adam Cruise Pics © www.bluewilderness.co.za
Diving
‘The Shoal’ There is a saying among the scuba diving fraternity: “If you can dive Aliwal Shoal, you can dive anywhere.” In any given season, on any given day, when those freak winds barrel in, Aliwal Shoal – on the KwaZulu-Natal coast – can change from a mill pond into a treacherous maelstrom. If you happen to be crazy enough to dive in such conditions, “The Shoal” will give you something to remember her by forever. But equally, if you happen to dive when the surface is as smooth as glass and the visibility is at a premium, that memory too will forever be etched indelibly in your mind. 44
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Aliwal Shoal is one of the few places in the world where you can dive with Tiger sharks
A Moody Mistress I experienced this phenomenon first hand during my very first dives at Aliwal. The first dive was to the wreck of the Produce, one of the two ships claimed by the shoal during one of its “off” days. We had also anchored on the wreck on an “off” day and the current was so powerful that it took a gargantuan effort just to pull ourselves under the water, as our masks wobbled on our faces and threatened to be ripped off. The sheer effort required on the descent was enough to exhaust our air supply, and no sooner had we reached the bottom, than we had to turn around and head straight back up again, all
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the while clinging to the rope like a string of Tibetan prayer flags. Yet my second visit to the same wreck the following day was so serenely sublime, it was almost impossible to imagine that it was the same dive. Overnight the conditions had changed from tempestuous to limpid (although the surf launches were still a white-knuckle affair). The surface sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight, the current had vanished and we dropped easily to the Produce in crystal clear water, without having to use the rope at all. Once at the bottom, we could make out the colossal wreck in its entirety. The rest of the dive was a journey through scuba nirvana. Shoals of goldies hung like orange clouds against a deep blue
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background, while large silhouettes of Brindle bass lurked among the dark holds, and occasionally moved out to have their cavernous gills raked by cleaner fish.
The Shark Park
Getting up close and personal with a Ragged tooth shark
Aliwal Shoal, however, is most renowned for its Ragged tooth sharks, which congregate here in winter to mate. Paging through my old logbook the entry of my initial dive with the “Raggies” reads:Max. Depth: 27 m Visibility: 15 m Location: Cathedral Comments: Best dive to date! The dive saw us among no less than 13 sharks, both male and female, circling like a vortex in an underwater amphitheatre. I will never forget those coppery shapes cruising past me at eye level, with their rows of jagged teeth just a metre away, but barely acknowledging our presence. At the time I did not think that scuba diving could get any better. But it did, and again Aliwal was the locale. When I started diving at Aliwal, nobody was aware at the time that the Ragged tooth sharks were just a sideshow. They had cousins – bigger ones – who were more discreet and perhaps a little shy, who were always beyond our sight, ubiquitous but unknown. It was only recently that we thought to invite them into our orbit by using baited drums called “chum-sicles”. These days an adrenaline pumping dive with a Tiger shark must rank as one of the most exhilarating experiences on the planet. What’s more, the dive is sans a cage. The divers swim in among the sharks with nothing between them but a wetsuit and some water! This has earned Aliwal its nickname of the “Shark Park”.
Whales and Natural Wonders
Aliwal Shoal certainly deserves its nickname of “The Shark Park”. Here a diver experiences the thrill of diving with a large group of Blacktip sharks You may even be lucky enough to see a Whale shark and a Tiger shark on the same day at Aliwal Shoal
There is, however, a lot more to Aliwal Shoal than just shipwrecks and sharks. The name of the little town of Umkomaas, which is opposite the shoal, is actually derived from the misspelling of the Zulu word “Mkomazi”, which means whale cow. This is a reference to the large number of Humpback whales and their young that pass over the shoal each spring. Although they are rarely seen underwater, the melancholy song of whales is likely to accompany an entire dive during this time. The whales coincide with another great marine phenomenon, the Sardine Run. While some years the sardines only make a cameo appearance, the predators that follow them congregate in numbers, waiting impatiently for the sardines to arrive. Dolphins patrol Aliwal in huge schools, while Bryde’s whales lurk in the depths, occasionally breaching right in front of startled divers. Best of all, Aliwal is accessible. Unlike a lot of other scuba diving areas, Aliwal is a mere 45 minute drive from King Shaka Airport, so divers can be suited up for a dive within a few hours after leaving their homes in cities as far flung as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. If you have yet to dive Aliwal Shoal, it must immediately be placed right at the very top of your bucket list. Then you may agree that despite her “rough edges”, Aliwal Shoal rightly holds the title of one of the world’s top ten dive sites. T
1time flies to durban. Check the flight schedule for dates and times
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FEATURE Story by Keith Bain Pix © Nick Muzik/Wildrunner, Keith Bain, RacingThePlanet Ltd
Even Mountain Goats Stray from the Path
Nicholas Rupanga
I think of trail running as the maxed-up version of road and track; a primal variant which takes you away from the monotony of pounding the tar. Fall for the sport and you will fall hard – sometimes literally. Keith Bain chats with one of South Africa’s rising stars.
Nicholas Rupanga takes the path less-travelled in his signature colourful Salomon trail running shoes
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icholas Rupanga is a mountain goat with an unusual handicap. He has a knack for getting lost. The problem? This Zimbabwe born athlete is just too fast. When the starter’s gun is fired, he whips off at such speed and with such focus on winning that he misses route markers and takes wrong paths. I chat to him after he has just won the first of the year’s Cape Trail Series races, and he jokes about his persistent problem. “Those orange ribbons look like flowers,” he explains. Then I ask him about another race – ironically, the Namaqua Flower Run, a 20 km knee-breaker that ascends the Northern Cape’s highest mountain. At one point during the race, I had spotted Rupanga emerging out of nowhere behind me, looking like he had taken a prolonged pit stop. “No, I got lost,” he admits. Despite the detour, Rupanga won that race too. Trail running is a departure from road running in many respects. Faulty navigation is just one diversion. On many multi-day trail races, which traverse deserts or crisscross dense jungle, runners must carry GPS equipment. Even on simpler routes, you will find competitors frantically scanning maps at the start. Running off-road, your eyes must be constantly busy and alert. You need to gauge the surface you are slamming your feet onto; negotiate obstacles; avoid trees and rocks and other hazards; and judge distances as you leap and careen through an untamed terrain. It’s all part of the sport. Although there may be pathways, these are sometimes nothing more than narrow tracks which are frequently overgrown and treacherous. A common mishap comes from being distracted by the beautiful surroundings, because if you lose concentration, there is every chance of slamming into a rock or tree. But this is what makes trail running so enjoyable; the blissful commune with Nature. With constant variations in topography, boredom is not an option. It is also why runners occasionally cross the finish line with bruises, scratches, skid marks, and gaping wounds – if they finish at all. Rupanga, who represented Zimbabwe as a cross country athlete while at school, ran his first trail race in 2009. He partnered with stalwart Patrick Cox for the African X, a three day team event which covers 90 km. “It was so easy,” recalls Rupanga. “Since I always train in the mountains.” Their victory instigated Rupanga’s transition to competitive trail running. Like many other trail runners, he is inspired by the environment. “On the trails, I don’t even check my time; I focus on the terrain,” he says. Which explains his love of his adopted home, Cape Town, with its easy access to wilderness. From his home, it is a short warm-up run before he is on mountain tracks. While trails inevitably involve gruelling uphill climbs, downhills are Rupanga’s nemesis. His battle is with technical
Always beaming – Nicholas Rupanga in top form after winning yet another of this year’s Cape Summer Trail series races. Rupanga won the championship in the men’s open category
Rupanga leads the pack at the start of one of the Cape Trail Series races
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descents. “Technical” refers to the level of footwork complexity. Often, you are dealing with tricky stones and rocks, and have to maintain your balance at a relatively high pace. Rupanga’s frustration is that downhills slow him down. Descents require more concentration and are punishing on the knees. When you are leaping between rocks, the punishment is amplified. Twisted ankles are common, and champions of the sport are not immune, as Rupanga has discovered speeding down Table Mountain. Trail runners cannot afford to switch off, he says. “You need to put your mind on the task at hand; you require much more concentration.” Rupanga’s ambitions start at home. Last year he was in the winning Table Mountain Challenge relay team with Ryan Sandes, the country’s top ultra-trail athlete and a global sensation. Rupanga is aiming for a solo victory in that race, and also wants to win The Otter, a two day race covering 42 km of the country’s iconic Tsitsikamma hiking route (usually walked over five days). Sandes won the event in four hours and 40 minutes last year. Most entrants do not finish before the cut-off time. Like many adventuresome trail athletes, Rupanga takes inspiration from Sandes’ considerable achievements. The fellow Capetonian has racked up successes in the world’s most gruelling events, including the arduous Leadville 100-miler in the Colorado Rockies, and weeklong multi-stage races, such as The Last Desert in Antarctica. Get into that league, and you see parts of the world you never imagined you would. It is the stuff of dreams. And Rupanga is a mountain goat with mighty dreams. He may get lost from time to time, but he knows where he is going. T
The Low-Down on Trail Running Aside from the obvious, trail running is not like road running, and its proponents are often militant campaigners for the freedom and added difficulty of going off-road. Trails add interest and variety, while roads can feel dull and plodding. World class Cape Town based trail runner Ryan Sandes cautions about the repetitive foot strike demanded by running on even tar, while trails require the foot constantly to adapt to different terrain. This, he says, lessens certain types of injury. Trails imply a wide variety of terrain, and often incorporate hills, mountains, and forests; while deserts and other inhospitable environments are where tougher survival-testing races take place. Some very tough multi-day events happen in the Amazon and in Antarctica. Sandes has won both. One thing you are unlikely to escape on any well-designed trail run are those muscle-burning ascents (some terrains even demand scrambling on all-fours), but, as Nicholas Rupanga will tell you, it is the descents that really punish your legs. To check out a calendar of South African trail runs, visit www.trailrunning.co.za. You can sign up for the various Trail Series events (now held in the Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal) at www.trailseries.co.za. For more information about The Otter African Trail Run, visit http://theotter.co.za.
Cape-based global trail running phenomenon Ryan Sandes tackles a technical descent in Namibia
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Intelligent health solutions for intelligent individuals. Developed by Hannes Strydom (B.Pharm), registered pharmacist and member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup™ winning Springbok team.
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FEATURE Story by Keith Bain Pix Š Greg Hillyard (www.greghillyard.com)
Time Out in
Tankwa Town AfrikaBurn
AfrikaBurn is a community gathering that happens once a year in the desert landscape of the Tankwa Karoo. Here, every April, an impermanent city springs up and is quickly filled with citizens on a mission to create art; build incredible structures and theme camps; dress in outlandish, otherworldly costumes; and make music and perform to their hearts’ content. Keith Bain was one such citizen and found the experience not only alternative, but life changing.
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Before even arriving, I have lost three tyres due to incredible blow-outs along the final section of dirt road. I have never seen rubber so brutally slashed. We remain calm, however, and treat the hiccups as part of the experience. Life’s a journey, after all. While I struggle with the first tyre swap, my Jeep becomes something of a social hub. Other eager revellers – also heading for AfrikaBurn – stop to lend a hand, and keep us company. You would swear we were handing out free drinks! Mercifully, a local farmer and his wife do a bustling trade along the road, repairing tyres and advising on how to deal with the rubber-eating dirt track. Their sage advice: Keep the pressure low and drive real slow. We arrive at Tankwa Town as the sun slinks away, the temporary utopian city a neon-lit spectacle shimmering against the ebony Karoo night. It is like some kind of mini Las Vegas, such is the abundance of colour and the twinkling, glittering dazzle. We quickly forget our tyre ordeals and, as we are handed a map, slip into a festive mood. Tankwa is arranged like a gigantic horseshoe. Themed campsites line the inner perimeter, while thousands more camp behind these in a
navigable muddle. It is a formidable setup. The vast space at the horseshoe’s centre is dotted with artworks, some enormous, others pint-sized. It takes a good hour to circumnavigate the entire inner circle (known as the Binnekring) on foot, and much longer if you stop along the way. And stopping is inevitable, because there are a million conversations and all kinds of mind-blowing things to see and do. But sightseeing it is not. There are, according to its manifesto, no spectators at AfrikaBurn. The idea is to eliminate the expectation of being entertained by others, and instead for everyone to participate and be part of the experience. It is one big interactive happening. Everyone becomes part of the community. I pass a tribe of good-hearted revellers called “The Peggars”. They have a simple concept: Passers-by get to air their dirty laundry by anonymously writing down intimate secrets on sheets of paper which they peg to a washing line that is eventually set alight. From among the various crews that turn up, Tankwa gets its own zany post office (you can mail a postcard back to reality, send one
AfrikaBurn spawns fierce creativity, including all manner of souped up modes of transport. If you don’t arrive with your own art car, light aircraft, or hot air balloon, a bicycle is virtually essential
Once it turns to dirt, it is an arduous, tyre-eating road that leads to Tankwa Town; but Burners are a determined tribe, and everyone gets there eventually
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to yourself at next year’s Burn, or compose a letter that will go up in flames at the end of the gathering); a newspaper; a crazy internal telephone system; and even a Department of Public Works manned by volunteers. There are no shops, no bartering and no trade. But you will always find a cup of tea and even an invitation to dinner. AfrikaBurn functions on an economy of giving and sharing. Whatever you give to other festival-goers or “Burners” (ice cream, a massage, a tango lesson, a DJ-fuelled party) you give expecting nothing in return. Turning our backs on mainstream, money-oriented society, everyone participates in the spirit of generosity. All this makes it possible to experience the unexpected. Indulging in whimsical desires, living out impossible fantasies, and bonding with absolute strangers. One guy makes a gift of painting my fingernails turquoise. It is a small gesture that I will never forget. At one point I find myself saying “I do” in a mobile wedding chapel, tying the knot with a complete stranger in an irreverent ceremony. It is presided over by a crazy hippie-preacher reading from a book of fables. We celebrate our union in the Human Car Wash, a dance floor where everyone takes turns sponging one another down with soapy water! Artfully enhanced vehicles (mutant cars and reconfigured trucks) chug around like props from Sci-Fi movies. Some transport mobile
stages, complete with live bands; others are simply incredibly cool mechanical artworks. Flying machines appear, too. Some Burners ride in a hot air balloon, while down below there is always some naked guy touring Tankwa by bicycle. Night time Tankwa is a serious party town, where hedonism takes hold. Temporary clubs, open air trance parties, live bands – there is no end to the sensory stimulation. There are neon flower gardens; nifty LED lighting displays; and one beautiful contraption spinning a gigantic ball of fire, like a comet hurtling around in circles. And it is difficult to forget your first session at The VuvuLounge, a mobile club spewing flames through gigantic vuvuzelas. Fire is symbolic here, and there is plenty to burn. Some of the best artworks go up in flames, and serve to remind us of the transience and impermanence of all things. Burning ceremonies are celebrated with jubilant audiences and handfuls of exhibitionists dancing in the moonlight. On the final day of “the Burn”, I wake up to gentle rain. It is an unexpected contrast to the dust of the previous days. The drizzle complicates plans to pack up and move on, but the atmosphere is celebratory, and there is a sense that our dancing has brought water to the desert. They say that “anything is possible in Tankwa Town”. All you need to do is turn up and make it happen. T
Come nightfall, the impermanent desert city starts to glow, and the hedonists gear up for some spirited celebrations
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Useful Information AfrikaBurn celebrates a vision of the world governed not by money, power and greed, but by human creativity and free expression. It is a mind-bending festival, complete with misfits and hedonists, tree huggers, do-gooders, and ordinary folk who come to spend time with family and friends. And by the end of the six day celebration, every part of Tankwa Town is either burnt or disappears along with the people who created it. AfrikaBurn takes place in the Tankwa Karoo, about 315 km from Cape Town. This year’s festival will take place from 25th to 30th April and the theme is “Mirage”. Visit www.afrikaburn.com for more information and take careful heed of the organisers’ advice on proper planning. Take everything you require and be prepared to survive in a difficult environment with none of the conveniences of home.
FEATURE Story by Blake Michael Pix Š Blake Michael & Rani Resorts
Luxury
Lost in
A Wild Weekend at the Stanley and Livingstone
Travel is not expensive when you are a millionaire. And trust me, friends, I am a millionaire; a trillionaire, in fact. All it took was a single border crossing for me to pocket more money than I could count. When I subsequently discovered, however, that I was not even worth my weight in Zimbabwean Dollars, I needed to find a luxury resort that was exquisite, yet affordable. And so, naturally, I booked in at The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls.
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The journey on 1time from Johannesburg to this renowned top class hotel was smooth. The hotel provided transportation, as well as a guide for the trip from the Livingstone International Airport, through the Zambian border and into Zimbabwe. Antelope and monkeys leisurely crossed the unpaved road leading up to the hotel, re-establishing a deep connection with nature lost by most of the world. In the concrete jungle that I call home, the only wildlife within a 50 km radius is the people – and many of those have proven quite impossible to tame! The Stanley and Livingstone represents the perfect juxtaposition of classic and contemporary, where an age of colonial exploration intersects with modern day luxury. Thatched roofs stretch over airconditioned suites, and hand-carved mahogany furniture houses televisions with digital satellite reception. With only 16 luxury suites (which should be booked far in advance) the wild animals easily outnumber the guests. Located near the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls, the Stanley and Livingstone is almost close enough to the iconic Victoria Falls or “Mosi oaTunya” (the smoke that thunders) to feel its cool spray in the air. The resort provides free shuttle rides to adventure operator Shearwater, which is located in the epicentre of the town. The operator offers a huge array of activities for visitors with varying budgets and senses of bravado. Helicopter flights, game drives, black rhino experiences, gorge swings and white water rafting trips all leave from this point. They say if you listen closely enough, you may hear the faint whimpering of tourists attempting to back out of bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge at the last second. I would wager that this is probably not what Cecil John Rhodes had in mind when he set out to build a railway over the churning waters of the Boiling Pot below. Back at the resort, the staff is distinguished by their attention to detail and their efforts to enhance each guest’s personal experience. Moline, the Assistant Manager, crafted a custom itinerary to maximise every minute of my short stay in Zimbabwe. On my first night I took a leisurely sunset cruise on the Zambezi with Shearwater Adventures and toasted my fellow travellers with a cocktail of the same name. The next day I enjoyed a sumptuous buffet style breakfast, and admired the sprawling private game reserve. A unique feature of the Stanley and Livingstone is that the dining room overlooks an expansive watering hole. As a result, it is not unusual for zebra to nibble on wild grass as you sit down to enjoy
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a delectable rolled crocodile thermidore or a juicy fillet steak. I think I even saw a kudu furtively eyeing my chocolate covered profiteroles and whipped cream. But head chef Jabu Tshuma insisted that I was not allowed to share! On my last day, a sliver of sunlight coaxed me out of my luxurious suite with the promise of an unpredictable and exhilarating adventure. After applying a healthy amount of sunscreen and insect repellent, I prepared myself to walk with the King of the Jungle on the wrong side of the fence. “So, do people ever get eaten by the lions here?” I nervously asked my guide. “No” he replied. But then Jabulani corrected himself: “Well, not usually.” “If the lion faces you and looks aggressive, do not run. Just put your walking stick in his mouth and he should be distracted enough to leave you alone.” Should be… During my trip to the Stanley and Livingstone, I got soaked by one of the world’s largest waterfalls, stroked lions, rode an elephant and hung out with hippos. This luxury resort must have signed an armistice with the mosquitoes, because I also did not receive a single bite during my stay, despite the alleged prevalence of these pesky parasites in the region. I might not be a billionaire, but at the Stanley andLivingstone, I at least got to experience living like one. Contact Rani Resorts on +27 11 658 0633 or 0861 77RANI, email info@raniresorts.com or visit www.raniresorts.com for more information. T
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FEATURE Story by Nicky Furniss Pix Š Alex Aikenhead & Nicky Furniss
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Jambo! Welcome to Mombasa
When the very first scheduled 1time flight to Mombasa, Kenya, touched down at Moi International Airport recently, it was met by a tumultuous welcome. Fire engines sprayed the plane with a salute of water, while enthusiastic dancers and Kenyan dignitaries greeted the passengers as they exited the plane. As the very first direct flight from anywhere on the African continent to Mombasa, this was indeed an auspicious occasion. But – as the warm smiles and shouts of “jambo!” we received over the following days bore testament to – special occasion or not, all visitors to Kenya are guaranteed a very warm welcome.
The Island City
Kenya’s second largest city, Mombasa is located on Mombasa Island and has been an important trade and port city since its first estimated origins in 900 AD. These days it still serves as Kenya’s only major seaport and as such, it is a bustling hub of activity. The city boasts a diverse population of Mijikenda and Swahili people, as well as immigrants from the Middle East, Somalia, Pakistan and India, many of whose ancestors were drawn here centuries ago by the spice, gold and ivory trades. As a result, the city is a delightful mix of architectural styles, and Hindu and Muslim temples nestle comfortably beside Christian churches. Visitors can relive some of the city’s long history by wandering around Mombasa’s Old Town or visiting Fort Jesus, which was built by the Portuguese in 1593 to protect the old port. In 2011, Fort Jesus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the fact that it is considered to be one of the world’s best preserved examples of 16th century Portuguese military fortifications.
Sun, Sea and Sand
Despite its long history and vibrant multiculturism, Mombasa’s main tourist attraction is undoubtedly its spectacular beaches, lapped by the same warm, crystal clear waters as its more famous beach holiday neighbour, Zanzibar. Sandy white beaches stretch out along the coast on both sides of the city, but we headed south to Diani Beach, a popular resort town just 30 km south of the city. Here a proliferation of luxury resorts – including ours, the Neptune Paradise Village – have made the most of the tropical
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location, with inviting loungers reclined under swaying palm trees, as well as plenty of powder white sand to lay your beach towel on. Diani Beach stretches for 25 km down the southern Kenyan coast, much of which is protected by coral reefs. The reefs ensure calm waters, perfect for swimming, and are also a destination in themselves for snorkelers and divers (most resorts in the area have dive operators). The calm water and constant breeze also make this stretch of coastline a favourite with kite surfers, and at any given time of day you are likely to see the horizon filled with multi-coloured kites skidding their riders on the surf behind them. Locals in traditional dhows are also often on hand to take paying customers on sailing trips along the coast where, if you are lucky, you may happen across a pod or two of dolphins. Even easier to spot are the bands of cheeky black and white Colobus monkeys that play in the resorts’ many trees. And if windows are left open, they have no qualms about casing your room for tasty titbits (and in our case that included the soap!). Speaking of tasty titbits, the hotels here are spoilt for choice in terms of tropical fruit and fresh-as-it-comes seafood, and the evening buffet tables are often groaning under the weight of giant lobsters, seared tuna and barbequed prawns. While Diani’s resorts cater to every conceivable need, it would be a waste not to venture out at least once or twice to see what else the area has to offer. We signed up for a day trip with Intra Safaris to the KisiteMpunguti Marine National Park, one of Kenya’s nine marine reserves. An hour-long bus ride brought us to the little town of Shimoni. As well as being a convenient boat launching point for the marine reserve, it also has
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another rather dubious distinction: that of once being a key port from which slaves were shipped all over the world. Visitors can join a guided tour of the Shimoni Slave Caves to learn more about this sad part of Kenya’s history, before heading out on traditional dhows to experience the more pleasant attractions of the marine park. The park’s protected waters often play host to pods of dolphins and its many reefs (teeming with soft and hard corals and brightly coloured tropical fish) are a joy to explore, both for snorkelers and divers. There are also a number of islands in the reserve, and we stopped for a delicious lunch of local delicacies at Wasini Island. Here we also had the option to while away the afternoon in the lagoon pool, or explore the mangroves via the Wasini Women’s Boardwalk, a local community support programme.
The Gateway to Kenya
With the launch of 1time’s new route to Mombasa, South Africans will now have a completely new beach destination to explore, complete with palm trees, friendly locals and a picture perfect coastline. Mombasa is also the perfect launch pad from which to explore the rest of Kenya, including the famed Masai Mara, snow capped Mount Kenya and the Rift Valley, thanks to domestic flights linking Mombasa and Diani (which boasts its own airport) to many of these attractions. The Kenyan government is also hard at work to make the country more accessible and attractive to foreign tourists. According to the Kenyan Minister of Tourism, the honourable Mr Balala, a number of highways and roads linking Nairobi to the country’s major tourist attractions have been upgraded, and there are plans to begin work on a bypass that will link Mombasa to Diani and the southern coast. This will effectively bypass the need to take a car ferry (which currently adds about half an hour to the trip to Diani), and will make the south far more easily accessible. There are also plans to upgrade many of the country’s airports. With the wholehearted support of the Kenyan Government, 1time’s new route to Mombasa will now make it possible for South African tourists to explore even more of the African continent, and to add their voices to those of their welcoming hosts with enthusiastic cries of: “Jambo!” T
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Useful Contacts • From March 2012, 1time will offer two weekly return flights (Mondays and Fridays) between OR Tambo International Airport and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Visit www.1time.aero to book your tickets. • For more information on the Neptune Paradise Village (part of The Plan Hotel Group) visit www.planhotel.com • Intra Safaris Ltd offers a number of day trips and longer safari and coastal tours from Nairobi, Diani and Malindi, which include trips to Zanzibar, the Masai Mara and the Ngoro Ngoro Crater. Email info@intrasafaris.com for a full list of their packages. • For more information on Kenya, visit www.magicalkenya.com
A Couple of Good Reasons to Visit Kenya • Kenya boasts 59 national parks, including the famed Masai Mara National Reserve • The country offers a host of diverse cultures (42 different languages are spoken here) • Kenya boasts 480 km of white beaches and 240 km of protected coral reefs • The country has no less than 38 golf courses
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feature Story by Nicky Furniss Pix © Felicity Aston/Kaspersky One Transantarctic Expedition
Woman Alone
Felicity Aston’s Antarctic Adventure
At the end of January 2012, renowned British explorer Felicity Aston became the first woman to traverse the continent of Antarctica alone. Her journey – which took her from the Ross Ice Shelf, across the Transantarctic Mountains to the South Pole, and then to the Ronne Ice Shelf on the opposite coast of the continent – took 59 gruelling days and covered approximately 1,700 km. ’abouTime’ chatted to Felicity recently about the Kaspersky ONE Transantarctic Expedition, how she prepares for her expeditions and what drives her continuously to challenge herself.
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abouTime: You have undertaken some amazing feats in your lifetime. Where do you think your sense of adventure comes from? Felicity: Curiosity – I am a very curious person. When I read about the adventures of others, I always wonder if I would be capable of doing the same. Over the last ten years, each of my expeditions has pushed me a little bit further mentally or physically, but I still don’t feel that I have reached my limit. I have always liked a challenge and as such, I like pushing my own limits and going somewhere where no-one has gone before. I still have a long list of expeditions and projects I would like to make happen, and the thrill of the experience of each that I complete is what motivates me to do more. At some point I would like to have a family of my own and that might change things, but I can’t imagine I will ever lose my curiosity to travel, explore and challenge myself. aT: You have been to Antarctica before, so what keeps drawing you back to this icy continent? Felicity: When I reached the South Pole on foot in 2009, I remember looking onwards and I didn’t want to stop. I spend a lot of time looking at maps and when I look at Antarctica, my eyes always drift towards the Transantarctic Mountains. Skiing through this curtain of peaks was the motivation for this trip, along with the feeling of completeness in traversing the continent. Stopping at the Pole felt a little like stopping half way. The Kaspersky ONE Transantarctic Expedition is the culmination of everything I have learnt from all of my previous polar journeys. So, you could say that I have been preparing for this journey for more than a decade, and with the help of sponsors such as Kaspersky, I was able to make it a reality. aT: How did you go about preparing for the Kaspersky One Transantarctic Expedition? Felicity: To prepare effectively, I undertake a lot of low intensity
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training to build up endurance and stamina. This includes things like going on long hikes and dragging tyres. In the gym I concentrate on particular muscle groups. Squats and lunges prepare the muscles in my legs for skiing, while pull-downs work the muscle between my shoulder blades that otherwise gets sore when using poles to ski cross-country. As this was my first solo expedition, I was not sure how I would be affected mentally, so I had to concentrate on preparing my mind more than I would usually do. There are various techniques that I use to make sure I am prepared mentally. Such as visualisation in which you imagine the expedition progressing in fast forward, so that every day you run through the journey from beginning to end – like watching a film. This gives me confidence and keeps me calm if I’m feeling nervous. aT: What were your highest and lowest moments during the expedition? Felicity: The expedition was certainly physically tough, but for me the hardest part was the psychological and emotional challenges. I expected the loneliness to be difficult and I had tried to prepare as well as I could for the psychology of the expedition, but in reality, no training in the world could have prepared me for the moment when the plane left me alone for the first time on the Ross Ice Shelf. At that moment all my expedition skills and experience counted for nothing! aT: You spent almost two months travelling completely on your own. How did you deal with loneliness? Felicity: I think it is only natural for humans to get lonely, and so I did miss my friends and family. I missed sharing the exciting events of the expedition with someone. During the days when I was skiing, I had an mp3-player loaded with my favourite music and audio books, which helped me to keep my mind occupied during the expedition. aT: Did you ever consider giving up? Felicity: It is perhaps a little strange that I find negativity very motivating. If I’m having a bad day, I think of people who have
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doubted me or who have been disparaging, and it makes me even more determined to prove them wrong. aT: Many people still regard these kinds of extreme physical feats as strictly the domain of men. You have clearly proven them wrong! Felicity: I believe that there are already lots of women out there doing incredible things, and yet we do not hear enough about them. I do get annoyed that in the UK all the adventurous TV presenters are men. Where are all the women? I have a special interest in the stories and writings of adventurous women of the past. These are women that broke the mould of their time and each, in their own way, made it possible for me to do what I do today. These women are often unsung heroes that deserve to be better known. Not only did they achieve incredible feats, but they did so in the face of derision and scepticism. If ever I am tempted to give up or take a shortcut, I am filled with guilt that it is the legacy of these women I am letting down. This inspires me to make the right decisions. aT: What inspires you to keep challenging yourself and pushing boundaries? Felicity: My passionate curiosity and my desire to see more of the world, as well as my belief that I am capable of accomplishing such journeys. My foremost emotion when I finished the expedition was relief: relief that I was safe and could relax; relief that I hadn’t let anyone down; and relief that this dream, this itch, had finally been scratched. However, that relief and sense of satisfaction was tempered with sadness that my big adventure was over. When I was told that the plane was on its way to pick me up, I felt panic that those were my last moments alone in Antarctica – which was an incredible privilege. Even now, I am longing to see that awesome landscape again. Felicity’s Kaspersky ONE Transantarctic Expedition was sponsored by Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions. Visit www.kaspersky.com for more information. T
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FEATURE Story by Christo Valentyn Pix © Kashan Country House, Ken Hamilton Advertising, Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre, Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris,The Elephant Sanctuary,The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Askari Game Lodge, Van Gaalen’s Kaasmakerij, Christo Valentyn
A Day in the
Country Magaliesberg Musts
The Magaliesberg mountain range is one of the oldest in South Africa, and stretches from Pretoria in a northwesterly direction all the way towards Rustenburg. It is also home to a wide variety of guesthouses, restaurants and attractions which make it the perfect country escape for frazzled Gauteng city dwellers. Here is a pick of our favourite Magaliesberg must sees.
Tick ‘Hot Air Ballooning’ off your bucket list at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris
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Van Gaalen’s Kaasmakerij is a Mecca for outdoor and cheese lovers alike
Share some love with a playful pachyderm at The Elephant Sanctuary or Askari Game Lodge
Kashan Country House serves up gourmet meals in a beautiful natural setting
The Hartbeespoort Dam Regarded as one of South Africa’s busiest tourist destinations, the Hartbeespoort Dam lies peacefully in the shadow of the Magaliesberg, within an hour’s drive from both Pretoria and Johannesburg. Despite a period of neglect, Hartbeespoort still enchants visitors with its wide variety of restaurants, art galleries, outdoor markets and lifestyle appeal. It is an excellent base from which to explore the Magaliesberg and its surrounds. Van Gaalen’s Kaasmakerij From what started as a small Dutch cheese farm, Van Gaalen’s has become a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors. With a wide selection of cheeses available, a large patio with views of the valley, and delightful picnic baskets on offer, Van Gaalen’s is also the base of the Skeerpoort mountain bike trails. Hollybrooke Farms Nestled in the Skeerpoort Valley, Hollybrooke Farms is a one-stop family entertainment destination. Whether you prefer horse riding through the valley or quad biking up the mountain, Hollybrooke has a variety of activities which will entertain and delight the whole family. Chef Betsie Malan also creates spectacularly hearty meals, which is reason enough to make a pit stop here.
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Hot Air Ballooning There is probably no better way to experience the Magaliesberg area than from a hot air balloon, and no better way to do it then with the award winning Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. Operating these memorable flights from the Skeerpoort Valley, Bill Harrop’s will ensure a memorable experience, whether just for fun or a special occasion. Kashan Country House Hidden away in a private nature reserve high up against the slopes of the Magaliesberg, Kashan Country House is a haven for weary souls looking to step out of the rat race. With a limited number of rooms, gourmet meals and a variety of activities on its doorstep, it is the place in which to recharge away from the maddening crowds. Askari Game Lodge Whether you visit for the day or stay over at the lodge, Askari Game Lodge is one of the only establishments in Gauteng where you are able to view the Big Five. You can also take part in their Elephant Experience, which allows you to walk with and feed these gentle giants. Kgaswane Mountain Reserve The 5,300 hectare Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is a
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The Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for some family R&R
spectacular mountainous wonderland right on the fringe of Rustenburg. Ideal for hiking and cycling, the reserve also offers camping options. The reserve hosts more than 800 antelope, including kudu, impala, zebra and springbok, as well as 320 bird species, with small numbers of predators also visiting. Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa Nestled at the foot of the Magaliesberg, Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa is a great destination for families in need of relaxation. With large gardens and pools, activities galore, as well as a spa that even provides kiddies’ treatments, it is a great way to relax and recharge. Magaliesberg Canopy Tours If you’re looking for a unique eco-adventure for the whole family, the Magaliesberg canopy tour is a must. It takes visitors on a unique cable gliding tour of the Magaliesberg, down the spectacular Ysterhout Kloof, and provides you with views of the mountain not usually seen – not to mention an adrenaline rush of note!
The Elephant Sanctuary
Whizzing through the forest canopy on a cable-gliding tour is the best way to see the spectacular natural beauty of the Magaliesberg
The Elephant Sanctuary provides a halfway house for young African elephants in need of a temporary home, and is the only one of its kind in South Africa. Once the elephants are older, the sanctuary releases them into an environment where they can be more independent. The Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre Margaret Roberts is well known for her knowledge of herbs and how to use them. This centre is Margaret’s home, and houses magnificent gardens, a coffee shop, nursery and crystal shop to enchant visitors. The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre was initially established in 1971 as a cheetah breeding project and has over the past 40 years bred more than 800 cheetah cubs. This makes it one of the most successful projects of its kind in the world. Since then, various other conservation projects have been initiated, including a successful African wild dog breeding programme. T
Contact Details Van Gaalen’s Kaasmakerij: +27 12 207 1289 Hollybrooke Farms: +27 82 552 1285 Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris: +27 11 705 3201 Kashan Country House: +27 14 576 1035 Askari Game Lodge: +27 14 577 2658 Kgaswane Mountain Reserve: +27 14 533 2050 Sparkling Waters Hotel & Spa: +27 14 535 0000 / 0019 Magaliesberg Canopy Tours: +27 14 535 0150 The Elephant Sanctuary: +27 12 258 0423 / 9906 Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre: +27 12 504 2121 The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre: +27 12 504 9906/7/8
Enjoy a cup of coffee in a beautiful garden setting at the Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre
Recipes from
Bosman’s
Pan Fried Hake Medallion with Barley & Root Vegetable Ragoût, Garlic Flavoured Olive Oil and Organic Cress Serves 2 Ingredients 300 g fresh hake fillet (deboned) 250 ml olive oil 2 cloves garlic 1 full head of garlic 1 tblsp of flour Salt & pepper 1 carrot 1 zucchini 1 celery stick 1 tblsp chopped Italian parsley 100 g barley 1.3 l chicken/vegetable stock 100 ml cream 1 white onion 2 tsp of organic cress A pinch of sugar
Method Barley Wash the barley under cold, running water for at least 3 to 5 minutes to get rid of all the dirt. Chop the onion roughly. Heat the pot on the stove, and add the butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt and then glaze the onion until it is transparent. Add the barley and glaze the mixture for another 20 seconds. Season with pepper and add ½ a clove of garlic. Add 200 ml of vegetable stock and cook the barley until it is soft (if the liquid reduces too much, add more stock). Ensure that you retain at least 50 ml of liquid. When the barley is soft, season it with salt and pepper to taste and add a pinch of sugar. Strain the barley and keep the liquid. Remove the larger pieces of onion and garlic from the barley and keep the barley warm. Add the cream to the leftover liquid and reduce it slowly until it starts to thicken.
Root Vegetables Wash all the vegetables, peel the carrots and celery and slice them into cubes or
Plating Place the ragoût in the centre of the plate with the fish on top. Place the organic cress on top of the fish as a garnish and drizzle the garlic infused olive oil around the plate.
Tip If you don’t want to braise the garlic, you can chop it roughly and add it straight to the olive oil. The difference is that the braised garlic has a fuller flavour. Instead of hake, you can also use kabeljou, Cape salmon or cob for this recipe. It is, however, preferable to use fish with skin to give it a nice touch. T triangles. Cook the vegetables together in the leftover vegetable stock to your desired texture and then strain. Add the vegetables to the barley and mix together.
Garlic Infused Olive Oil Place the whole head of garlic on a sheet of tin foil. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and wrap it up (like a jacket potato). Place it in the oven at 170 °C for one hour. Heat the olive oil in a pot on the stove and bring it to a gentle heat of 60 °C. Remove the garlic from the tin foil, cut it in half and place it in the olive oil. Remove the pot from the heat and leave the garlic to infuse for 2 to 3 hours. Then strain the olive oil and keep to one side.
Fish Place a non-stick pan on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of oil to it. Coat the skin side of the fish in flour, and fry it until it is golden brown. Turn the fish over and place the pan in the oven at 180 °C until it is cooked to your preference. Remove the fish from the oven and keep it warm to one side. Place the barley and vegetables in the cream stock velouté (ragoût). Heat the mixture, add chopped parsley and season to your taste.
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For two decades the Grande Roche Hotel has been distinguished not only for its sublime setting, but also for its hospitality and award winning cuisine. Bosman’s Restaurant is acknowledged as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world and is listed on Eat Out Magazine’s Top 10 restaurant list for 2011. Executive Head Chef, Roland Gorgosilich, has extensive experience working in some of Europe’s finest Michelin Star restaurants. He believes in using only the freshest seasonal products to create a complete harmony of flavours and an unparalleled dining experience. For more information, contact +27 21 863 5100 or visit www.granderoche.co.za.
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Culture club
For the latest online entertainment offerings
Mass Effect 3 Striking from beyond known space, a race of terrifying machines has begun their destruction of the human race. As Commander Shepard, an Alliance Marine, your only hope for saving mankind is to rally the civilisations of the galaxy and launch one final mission to take back the Earth. Mass effect 3 will be released on 9th March 2012.
Great by Choice
The Help
by Jim Collins & Morten T Hansen
The number one New York Times bestselling book by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast in The Help. Led by Emma Stone, Academy Award nominee Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard, The Help is an empowering story about a group of women in the 1960s who build an unlikely friendship through their involvement in a secret writing project. It is a project that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humour and hope, The Help is a triumphant story about the ability to create change in the world.
Ten years after his worldwide bestseller Good to Great, Jim Collins returns with another groundbreaking work, this time to ask: “Why do some companies thrive in uncertainty and even chaos, while others do not?” Based on nine years of research, buttressed by rigorous analysis and infused with engaging stories, Collins and his colleague, Morten T. Hansen, enumerate the principles for building a truly great enterprise in unpredictable, tumultuous, and fast moving times. This book is classic Collins: contrarian, data driven, and uplifting. He and Hansen show convincingly that, even in a chaotic and uncertain world, greatness happens by choice, not by chance.
Secret Symphony by Katie Melua
Secret Symphony is this British singer, songwriter and musician’s fifth studio album. It is a beautiful compilation that perfectly showcases Katie’s distinctive voice. It may well have her reaching the same success she achieved in 2006 when she was the UK’s best selling female artist and Europe’s highest selling European female artist. This is not one to miss. Secret Symphony is available now on kalahari.com.
For these and other exciting entertainment offerings, visit *Release dates and jacket covers are subject to change without prior notice. Free delivery is available on orders over R250 (see website for terms and conditions).
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Stand the chance of winning one of two kalahari.com gift vouchers to the value of R200 each. Simply SMS the word TIME, followed by the word KALAHARI and your NAME to 35131. Cost per SMS is R1,50. Competition closes 31st March 2012. By entering this competition you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to abouTime and/or 1time airline. Terms and conditions apply.
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FEATURE Story by Purple Pine Pix © Karin Schermbrucker/Cape Epic/ SPORTZPICS, Sven Martin/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS, Gary Perkin/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS
An
Epic Undertaking The ABSA Cape Epic
The ninth edition of the Absa Cape Epic (known as the Tour de France of mountain biking) will see competitive riders from across the globe head to the Cape in March to compete in the world’s most televised mountain bike stage race. 1,200 participants from 46 countries will take on the demanding eight day mountain bike adventure of 780 km (which climbs 16,300 m) from 25th March to 1st April. Jose Hermida enjoys support from local school children during stage three of the 2011 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held from Saronsberg Wine Estate in Tulbagh to Worcester Gymnasium in Worcester
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his year’s race will also boast a significantly changed route, with stage locations in Robertson, Caledon and Oak Valley. “The Absa Cape Epic has again selected some of the best terrain that the Western Cape has to offer. Our
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route designer, Leon Evans – or Dr Evil as he is best known among the riders – has managed the perfect the balance between exciting trails, challenging terrain and wider vistas in the pursuit of the ultimate mountain biking experience,” says Kevin Vermaak, director and founder of the race.
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Stage winners, Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser during stage five of last year’s race The lead group pushes up through steep sand during stage six of the 2011 race held in and around Oak Valley
“There are no easy days in this race. Registration day is easy, and the Monday after the race is easy. Anyone who thinks there’s anything easy about the Absa Cape Epic, is a fool. My job is to make sure that no rider, in any previous edition of the race, can say: ‘The 2012 Epic riders had it easy.’ ” reiterates route designer Leon Evans. For the fourth time in the race’s history, riders will also compete in a prologue. A common feature in grand road cycling tours, the prologue on the Meerendal Wine Estate will allow spectators to see teams race against the clock. This showcase event will decide which teams will wear the coveted leaders’ jerseys at the start of stage one in Durbanville. At least six current MTB world champions, five previous world champs and four Olympic medallists have already signed on for this two man event, and the international field is unrivalled in the sport. The line-up includes the German super team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm, as well as South African Burry Stander and his Swiss partner Christoph Sauser, who were last year’s overall winners. Stander is the only South African ever to win the race, but the South African team of Kevin Evans and David George are hoping to change that this year. After the prologue, the 2012 race visits Robertson for the first time and then moves on to Caledon, which is also a first time location for the Absa Cape Epic. Finally, the riders will head towards apple country to thrash it out on the long single-track sections in Oak Valley, before the traditional dash to the Lourensford Wine Estate. Catch all of the action of the Absa Cape Epic on SuperSport. T
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Riders make their way to Oak Valley through the incredible Western Cape scenery
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FEATURE Storie deur Carla van der Spuy Foto’s © Wynand Claassen
Spyt Bestaan Nie in dié
Rugbylegende se Woordeskat Hy was ’n haan onder die henne, dit het hom ’n dekade geneem om sy studies in argitektuur te voltooi en as student kon hy behóórlik kuier. Maar die oud-Springbokrugbykaptein Wynand Claassen (61), wat destyds internasionale roem verwerf het en deesdae ’n toegewyde gesinsman en pa van vier volwasse kinders is, sê prontuit hy is oor niks spyt nie. Wynand is nou weer in die nuus nadat sy boek Wynand Claassen: Kaalvoetklong tot rugbytoks die rakke getref het. Die boek word as ’n nostalgiese blik op sy grootwordjare gedurende die 1950’s en 1960’s op die platteland beskryf. Dit sluit ook ervaringe oor sy kinder- en jeugjare en sy wilde universiteitsjare op Tukkies in. Hy beskryf hoe sy groot drome oor internasionale rugby bewaarheid is. Ook hoe hy as klein seuntjie reeds vasbeslote was om eendag die Springbok-rugbykaptein te word. Oor sy idilliese grootwordjare in Middelburg voel hy half nostalgies en sê: “Ons het maar in ’n kommervrye tyd van heavy rockmusiek, lang hare en vrye liefde grootgeword. Maar dit was ook ’n onskuldige tyd van jouself ontdek en mensword.” As jong seun het Wynand talle rugbyhelde gehad en party, soos Dawie de Villiers, het selfs sy briewe beantwoord. Hy vertel dit was natuurlik wonderlik om later goed bevriend te raak met van sy helde soos Frik du Preez en Tommy Bedford. “Ek het nooit vergeet hoe ek as jong seun na my helde opgesien het nie. Dit was en is nog steeds vir my wonderlik om handtekeninge uit te deel en selfs om ’n geselsie met ’n laaitie aan te knoop. Ek het nog nooit iemand weggewys nie.” Oor vandag se rugby teenoor die “ou dae” s’n sê hy hoewel rugby se kameraderie en gees as spansport onveranderd is, het die spel geweldig ontwikkel. “Die spel is vinniger, meer fisiek, die spelers is groter, sterker en vinniger... en dan het dit natuurlik ’n beroepsport geword wat wonderlik vir die spel is. Dit het gesinsvermaak geword.” Benewens sport, het Wynand ook met boeke en kuns grootgeword. Oor die
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Tommy du Plessis laat loop die bal teen WP op Nuweland in 1975, terwyl Wynand wegbreek uit die skrum
Saam met Pierre Edwards met die Curriebeker ná Noord-Transvaal se oorwinning oor die Vrystaat in 1977 Wynand begin weer padwerk doen saam met die twee Bouviers, Mielie en Juba, in Brechterstraat se parkie in 1978
Die O15A span van Middelburg Hoërskool in 1966, met Wynand as kaptein, tweede van links tweede ry feit dat hy self skilder en skryf, sê hy dit is inderdaad so dat mense nie altyd die twee pole van kuns en rugby met mekaar kan vereenselwig nie. “Maar as ’n mens die talente het, hoekom dit probeer wegsteek? Ek is ongelooflik dankbaar vir die kunstalente wat ek gekry het omdat dit my lewe verryk.” Wynand is tans op kontrak by Tukkies as die bestuurder van TuksSport Alumni, maar hy het sy eie private argiteksfirma wat hy deeltyds bedryf, en is ook by Citadel (’n onafhanklike welvaartbestuursmaatskappy) betrokke. Boonop is hy ’n tydelike rugbykommentator by SuperSport. Hy is aktief by rugby betrokke as president van Tuks Rugbyklub, as ondervoorsitter van die Oud-Blou Bul-spelersvereniging, asook beskermheer van die Sharks-ondersteunersklub. Oor die feit dat hy nie doekies in sy boek omdraai nie en ‘n paar dwarsklappe uitdeel, sê hy: “Ek was nog altyd reguit en haat rugstekers en mense met ’n verskuilde agenda met ’n passie!” Wynand beskryf sy gesin as besonder heg. “My vrou, Jeanette, het musiek op Tukkies geswot en is ’n laerskool-onderwyseres. Sy is baie huisvas en was ’n ongelooflike ma wat ons kinders op die regte manier, familievas en met baie liefde grootgemaak het. Antonie (27) het ’n BCom-graad in bemarkingsbestuur, maar speel die afgelope 4½ jaar heeltyds rugby in Frankryk en is kaptein van die Top 14-klub, Brive. Jeanelle (26) het ’n BA-graad op Tuks verwerf. Sy is ’n fotograaf in Kaapstad en is getroud met Hanno Coetzee (wat provinsiale rugby gespeel het). Jeanré (23) het ook ’n BCom-graad in bemarking en werk by Jeni Button en Jeanandi (21), wat my kunstalent geërf het, studeer uitgewerswese aan Tuks,” sê hy. Is daar enigiets wat hy anders in sy lewe sou wou gehad het? “Nee wat,” vertel hy met 60 jaar se wysheid agter hom. “Ek sou niks wou verander nie. Daar was hoogtepunte, maar ook baie terugslae, trane en teleurstellings. Maar dit staal ’n mens en berei jou vir die lewe voor. Ek is oor niks spyt nie.” T
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Bebaard vir die Ligbloues teen die Wêreldbekerspan op Loftus 1977
FEATURE Story by Warren Ingram Pic © iStockphoto.com
Saving for How Much is Enough? People often ask me to help them figure out how much capital they need in order to retire comfortably. Each of us has different goals and lifestyle costs, so there is no magic formula that will work for everyone, but here are some guidelines that might help. How Much Capital Do You Need at Retirement? Many financial advisers use a multiplication of your final salary to work out how much you require at retirement. For example, if you earn R120,000 in the last year before retirement, you will need 14 times R120,000, which equals R1.68 million. However, I prefer to use your actual monthly expenses as a basis for determining how much capital you need at retirement. If you need R10,000 per month after tax, you should multiply this by 12 (to get an annual amount), and then multiply this by 20, which in this case would equal R2.4 million. This will allow you to draw R10,000 per month and to increase this with inflation every year for the remainder of your life. This is quite a conservative calculation, but some experts (including Daniel R Wessels from Martin, Eksteen, Jordaan and Wessels) believe that we should be even more conservative. Wessels suggests that you should multiply your annual expenses by 22.2 times and not the 20 that I use. These guidelines cannot be applied to everyone because each of us is different. For example, if you are in excellent health and your family has a history of longevity, you might require more capital than someone who is in poor health. Alternatively, you might be very risk averse with your investments, which means your capital will not grow as much as that belonging to someone with a balanced investment portfolio. This is a choice you make, and it means you will require even more capital to retire safely.
How Much Should You Save?
Many people advocate that you save 10% of your total monthly income for retirement. Total income means your cost-to-company
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salary. So, if you earn R15,000 per month before deductions, you should save R1,500 monthly. This percentage will not ensure a safe retirement in all market conditions. If we experience a prolonged period of low stock market returns (eg 5% average growth over a ten year period), you will need to save more than 10%. In order to survive in all market conditions, you should save 15% of your total income over your career.
What Are Your Options?
You should always be pessimistic in your retirement planning and try to plan for the worst. If you are saving for retirement, try to save 15% of your total income, so that you can be sure of having enough. If you are close to retirement and do not have enough capital, try to work a few years longer than planned or get some part-time work to supplement your retirement capital. People are living much longer than previous generations, but their retirement planning has not kept pace with this reality, so try to adjust your planning as early as possible. If you are already retired and have little chance of generating income, you will need to reduce your expenses and ensure that your remaining investments are correctly structured. This means that you should balance the requirement to generate as much growth as possible with the need to manage your risks, so that your remaining capital is protected from major stock market losses. The worst thing you can do now, is put your head in the sand and hope for things to get better. Warren Ingram is the executive director of Galileo Capital and the Financial Planning Institute’s 2011 “Financial Planner of the Year”. Copy courtesy of Finweek. Call 086 010 3911 to subscribe.
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motoring Story by Bernard K Hellberg Pix © Quickpic
out the {box} The Latest Models to Enter the Market
The Versatile Ford Kuga
Toyota Auris x 2 – Deceptive Similarity South Africa’s latest dynamic duo – the Toyota Auris HSD and the Auris TRD – team up to offer a sporty offering that, hopefully, will generate fresh interest in the model. The Auris HSD marks Toyota’s first introduction of its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) – or full hybrid technology – to one of its mainstream models. The Auris TRD, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional performance approach by hiking up the power, courtesy of a supercharger. The hybrid system’s 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine in combination with an electric motor enables the Auris HSD to accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds, boasting a claimed top speed of 180 km/h. The Auris HSD’s battery pack uses reliable nickel-metal hydride technology. It sits beneath the floor of the boot, and thus minimises impact on cabin space. The pack is designed to last the lifetime of the car. Toyota Racing Development, or TRD as it is more commonly known, is a brand that is synonymous with excitement, performance and dynamism. The environmentally friendly 1.6 litre 16 valve Auris Sport X is capable of a top speed of 220 km/h. Fuel consumption is a laudable 7.5 l/100 km. It is, however, a real pity that Toyota did not do more with the Auris’ styling. It remains somewhat boring and outdated, despite its excellent new technology. Both models have a five-year//90,000 km service plan, and a three-year/100,000 km warranty.
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Ford’s attractive “new” SUV, the Kuga, has made its appearance in our country, four years after its European launch and a few months before the latest generation will be launched overseas. As a so-called “soft roader”, the Kuga features all wheel drive (without low ratio) and fairly decent ground clearance. Its 147 kW turbocharged petrol engine is the same renowned five cylinder which has been used to good effect in the Focus, as well as in a number of different Volvo models. Both Kuga models are fitted with a five speed automatic transmission. The Kuga is characterised by its bold styling. Distinctive headlights, a contoured bonnet, a large, trapezoidal grille and twin exhausts create a powerful profile that sets it apart from other cars in its class. Its pronounced wheel arches, stylish air vents and muscular shoulder line also give the car an energetic stance. A split tailgate with separate access to either the upper tailgate section, or both sections simultaneously, ensures maximum flexibility. Second row under-seat storage, a generous cargo area and a high compartment sill ensure ease of use when loading heavy items. The Kuga comes with a comprehensive four-year/120,000 km warranty and four-year/80,000 km service plan. Added peace of mind comes in the way of a three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan. Service intervals are staggered at 20,000 km.
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motoring Story by Bernard K Hellberg Pic © Quickpic
A Cu tting Edg e
Classic The
Civic a d n o New H
The introduction of the all new 2012 Honda Civic sedan by Honda Motor Southern Africa marks the arrival of the ninth Civic generation in South Africa, and is backed by some 40 years of trend setting design, technology and performance. Selling, on average, more than 700 vehicles in the South African market each month, Honda has become a benchmark importer in that it caters for quality conscious mature individuals, as well as young professionals and families with a preference for an outdoor lifestyle. The eye catching new Civic represents a fresh interpretation of Honda’s “one-motion” profile, which made its debut in the previous model. For the 2012 model, the emphasis is on a powerful, pure and dynamic body design, with a flowing silhouette that alludes to the car’s premium look and feel. The concept of “Smart Technology” is prevalent throughout the 2012 Civic. It retains its acclaimed and futuristic split-level dashboard, but the layout has also been further refined and updated. Despite the Civic’s compact dimensions and its reduced overall length (-15 mm) and wheelbase (-30 mm) compared to the outgoing version, the 2012 model’s enhanced interior packaging has resulted in notable improvements in both space and comfort. Supremely comfortable front seats hold the driver and front passenger reassuringly in place when negotiating mountain passes at high speed, while the luggage capacity has been increased from 389 litres to 440 litres. Dual front and side airbags come standard, along with curtain airbags on all but the entry level derivative. ABS is included on all models and is linked to electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency
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brake assist (EBA). The expanded model line-up now incorporates a 1.6 litre engine which produces 92 kW of power and 151 Nm of torque. The 1.8 litre VTEC engine produces 104 kW and a torque peak of 174 Nm. A claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.7 l/100 km and a CO2 emissions rating of 160 g/km underline Honda’s engineering skills. All of the 1.6 and 1.8 models are available with a choice of five speed manual or automatic transmissions. The standard model includes manual air conditioning with dust and pollen filters, an info button on the steering wheel, and speed sensitive automatic door locks with selective unlocking. The 1.8 Comfort adds heated side mirrors and curtain airbags, while the more luxurious 1.8 Elegance gains 16” alloy wheels, a leather trimmed steering wheel and seats, as well as iPod and USB slots, cruise control, and automatic climate control. The 1.8 Executive adds even more nice-to-have extras, including front fog lights, electric folding mirrors, paddle-shift controls for the automatic version, Vehicle Stability Assist, a tyre deflation warning system, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. Prices range from R209,900 for the 1.6 Comfort manual to R282,900 for the 1.8 Executive Automatic. All models come with a five-year/90,000 km service plan and a three-year/100,000 km warranty. T
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motoring Story by Bernard K Hellberg Pic © Quickpic
Boom! The New Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic, and in particular the hatchback variant, is an aggressively styled and valuefor-money newcomer that will certainly have a major impact on the South African market. Available in a sedan or hatchback configuration, the Sonic range offers a full assortment of dynamic engines, from 1.4 (74 kW) and 1.6 (85kW) petrol models to a 1.3 litre turbodiesel which produces 70 kW of power, while sipping fuel at a claimed 4.6 l/100 km. The sedan variant caters for more mature buyers who favour a three-box body configuration with a boot over the more youth oriented hatchback styling. This addition to the Sonic range follows the same uncompromising design criteria as its sporty stable mate, while also bringing new levels of style, quality and refinement to the small car segment. The headlamps – a key design element – are “exposed”, and have a similar styling treatment as that seen on some motorcycle headlamps. The interior environment has been created around Chevrolet’s signature dual cockpit theme with a progressive interpretation based on “colour that envelopes the front occupants”. The Sonic offers a spacious interior which includes functional luggage volume that is at the top of the range among its global competitors. Surface treatments, especially those where panels meet,
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have been refined to the extent that they offer near zero gap tolerances for an exceptional level of visual quality. The Sonic boasts a pleasantly quiet cabin ambience. The focus on ride comfort and refinement in the design stage of the vehicle has resulted in a surprisingly low interior noise level for a vehicle of this size. The wind noise rating, for example, is just 40,5 decibels. The Sonic offers a tempered, stable and comfortable ride on even the most demanding of road surfaces. The handling is responsive and offers outstanding feedback and feel for the driver. It is a vehicle which is fun to drive and offers the kind of driving dynamics one would only expect in premium class vehicles offered at a far higher price. With prices starting at R156,990 for the 1.4 Hatch manual to R178,570 for the 1.6 litre six speed automatic, owners will also enjoy the peace of mind of the five-year/120,000 km warranty and the three-year/60,000 km service plan. The Sonic is an affordable little car with superb build quality and impeccable road manners. Put it high on your shopping list. T
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ing n pe 2 a O 201 g n hla arch Um M
tech {time}
Be Energy Aware The e2 Efergy wireless electricity monitor communicates upto-the-minute electricity consumption, the Rand value of the usage, as well as the cost to the environment in carbon emissions – all via its digital display panel. The e2 allows consumers to view and download their energy consumption data to a PC using E-Link software. This makes it easy to track energy usage and the impact of changes in consumption on electricity bills. A built-in alarm can also be set to warn users when their electricity usage exceeds the consumption parameters they have specified. The E2 wireless monitor can be purchased online at www.efergy.co.za.
The Simpsons are Leading the Way Driving has just got a whole lot more fun with the introduction of two more Simpson’s character voices to TomTom’s range of GPS navigation systems. The voice of Homer Simpson (which is the most downloaded character voice of all time) has now been joined by the very direct Mr Burns (“trust me, I’m an evil billionaire”) and the rather more sympathetic Marge Simpson. The voices can be downloaded onto a TomTom personal navigation device from www.mytomtom.com or from TomTom HOME. Users of the TomTom iPhone and iPad apps can purchase the voices online from the App Store.
Cool , Calm and Collected Belkin’s Laptop Cooling Stand not only saves energy, but ensures that your laptop functions more effectively by preventing it from overheating. A unique wave design assists with natural airflow by pushing heat away from the laptop, and the stand’s gentle slope raises the laptop’s screen height, which improves typing comfort and eases neck and wrist strain. Powered by the laptop’s USB port, the stand uses very little power and has no significant impact on battery life. A curved laptop cooling stand, which has an airflow wing design for optimal air circulation, enhanced cooling and quieter operation, is also available. Contact belkinsales@tudortech.co.za for a list of local stockists.
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about {turn} abou
T
ime
loves
DID YOU
KNOW
There is an extreme sport called extreme ironing which, according to its proponents, “combines the danger and excitement of an ‘extreme’ sport with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt”. Fans of the sport head out to remote locations with an ironing board, an iron and some laundry to find challenging places in which to catch up on their house work. In the past, these have included mountainsides, under water, on top of moving cars, on moving canoes and while skiing. There is even an Extreme Ironing World Championship!
Jo's Factoid the James Bond film ‘GoldenEye’ (2002), featured the highest bungee jump ever performed at the time. Stuntman Wayne Michaels jumped off the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland – a 220 m drop. Rollerkidz offers a full range of quad roller skates for the whole family. These include very cool size adjustable quad roller skates for younger kids whose feet are still growing. Rollerkidz offers free delivery in Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape. Contact +27 83 445 3165 or visit www.rollerkidz.co.za for more information.
WIN!
Stand the chance of winning a pair of children’s Rollerkidz skates. Simply SMS the word TIME, followed by the word ROLLER and your NAME and SHOE SIZE to 35131. Cost per SMS is R1,50. Competition closes 31st March 2012. By entering this competition you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to abouTime and/or 1time airline. Terms and conditions apply.
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Pix © iStockphoto.com
Fun Collective Nouns One of the kookiest things about the English language is its insistence on using a huge and, it seems, ever increasing number of collective nouns to describe groups of people, animals or things. Here are some of our favourites: A congress of baboons A shrewdness of apes A culture of bacteria A sleuth of bears A bed of clams A quiver of cobras A murder of crows A convocation of eagles A pickle of hedgehogs A bloat of hippopotami A smack of jellyfish A parliament of owls A storytelling of ravens A crash of rhinos A murmuration of starlings An intrusion of cockroaches
Make Yourself at Home Recently an American woman came home to find that a man had folded her laundry, swept the floor and cooked her dinner. I know, weird right! And to top it all off, it turns out he was actually a burglar. The man, who claimed that the house belonged to him, had let himself in and made himself quite literally at home – to the extent of even doing the housework. When the police arrived, they reported that they had difficulty understanding the man and he could be under the influence of some sort of drug. The rightful occupant of the house maintained that the man had not stolen anything other than drinking her orange juice, but she felt that that was a fair trade for all of the chores that he had done. The man was charged with breaking and entering and will undergo a psychological evaluation.
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Shumbalala Game Lodge An African Dream In the vast wilderness of South Africa’s hot northern plains, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, deep within an ancient tapestry of natural wonder, you will chance upon SHUMBALALA GAME LODGE. From your early morning game drive or bush walk in the Big 5 Thornybush Game Reserve to lazy afternoons at the pool and a sunset safari, tales of the day are told in the wine cellar as you prepare for a sumptuous dinner fire-side al fresco or candle-lit indoors. Choose from four luxury suites or the Presidential Suite, all of which have private viewing decks and picture window bathrooms. Wake up knowing that each day will allow for the adventure and peace of Africa to enter your soul – in a place where the lion sleeps.
!!WOW SpeCiaL avaiLabLe NOW!! Stay for 3 nights but only pay for 2 nights Valid until 30 June 2012 Conditions Apply Reservations – Thornybush Collection: Tel: +27 (0)11 253 6500 • Fax: +27 (0)11 803 7350 • sales@thornybush.co.za Lodge: Tel: +27 (0)72 8122172 • Fax: 086 6858902 • info@shumbalala.co.za
w w w. s h u m b a l a l a . c o. z a
FEATURE Story & Pic © Dale Hayes
The
Voice ofturns Golf 80
The Legend that is Denis Hutchinson
In the real world, a ball does not just ricochet off a tree and into a hole where an Audi TT is the hole-inone prize. It just does not happen. Well, it ’did’ happen a few years ago in Houghton. Of course, when this happens during live television and you are the one commentating, you would think it would be the perfect opportunity to say something memorable. Instead, the best I could come up with, was to discuss whether a golf ball could in fact ricochet off leaves and branches. There are some people behind the microphone who are just able to get it right and say the perfect thing at the perfect moment. Our very own Denis Hutchinson is just such a person. “Hutch” has done television commentary since its inception in South Africa in the mid-1970s, and has thus become an institution in golf. We have become accustomed to that gravelly voice, which has become known as the “Voice of Golf” in South Africa, and he has for many years had the ability to add just enough commentary to the action to make golf well worth watching. Hutch has a unique knowledge of all aspects of the game, and a special relationship with many of its players, even those who are barely a quarter of his age. What shines through very evidently is his love and passion for the game, as well as the respect he has for professional golfers and tournaments. The only criticism I have ever had of Hutch is that he never criticises a player, even when they have hit a terrible shot. True to form, he takes that as a compliment. After nearly 20 years behind the microphone, Hutch was, without warning, retired by the SABC. It is alleged that they were of the opinion
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that golf needed a new voice. Although there was public outrage, Hutch stayed at home that season. But as is so often the case, sometimes things happen for a very good reason. In Hutch’s case, he was snapped up by the European Tour Productions team, and for the last 15 years his voice has been heard on SuperSport and across the globe when he commentates on European Tour events. He may have taken a little bit more time off over the last few years, but there is a good reason for that. Hutch is, amazingly, turning 80 this month. He is the youngest octogenarian I know, and he continues to be an inspiration to so many of us who are involved in the golf industry. I have always felt that there are not many people who do more to promote South Africa than Hutch, and I am so proud to call him both my mentor and my friend. Hutch, congratulations on making 80! I am looking forward to your next decade on Tour. T
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time to brag Story & Pic © 1time airline
1time is Set to Soar in 2012 The sky is not the limit for 1time airline as it launches a number of new routes which are set to increase customer value and enhance the airline’s overall development. The low cost carrier will be significantly increasing its frequency of flights when it begins twice daily flights from Lanseria Airport to Cape Town and Durban. The airline has also expanded its Africa network by including a route to Mombasa, Kenya, which – along with the Lanseria flights – will become operational from 5th March. In addition, 1time will be increasing the frequency of its flights to Zanzibar from two to three flights per week during peak holiday periods. Soon, the airline will also be offering passengers a variety of IT applications that will further enhance passenger convenience (much as the highly frequented home e-Checkin option already has), as well as various mobile applications. 1time airline CEO, Rodney James, commented that these developments will offer additional benefits for their passengers. “The new routes and increased frequency that 1time is offering will ensure that our passengers have greater options available to them, including an additional exciting holiday destination to explore.” James says that he is confident that customers will embrace the new Mombasa route, adding that it will boost 1time’s overall growth strategy. “Mombasa is an exhilarating and exotic destination, and 1time passengers using the route will discover incredible holiday value. This includes world famous beaches such as Diani, excellent golfing and fishing facilities, marine parks, and all the water activities one would expect from a tropical paradise. There is also the nearby Tsavo National Game Park, which will afford travellers the opportunity to experience the magnificent Kenyan wildlife. Also, through adding another African destination to our network, we will ultimately create stronger links within East Africa.” He adds that the introduction of the Lanseria route will offer domestic
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travellers equally great benefits. The best of these is that Lanseria Airport serves as an alternative to busy OR Tambo International Airport, and is conveniently located for people living or working in Sandton, Randburg and Pretoria. The Lanseria terminus will serve Durban and Cape Town, and will include two flight arrivals and departures each morning and afternoon/evening. James further asserts that the new airport will benefit the long term health of 1time, as operating costs at Lanseria are lower than those at OR Tambo. Flying from Lanseria will also maximise the airline’s use of its current asset base. “We believe that 2012 will provide a consistent upward curve, and we therefore plan to take full advantage of any market opportunities, and increase customer value for all of our passengers,” concludes James. T
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Colouring-InCompetition This Month’s
1st
2nd
Winners
Daniella Fernandez - 9 yrs
Daeesa Lorgat- 8 yrs
3rd
Elène Behrens - 10 yrs
We at 1time value our young flyers in the knowledge that we will grow together. This is why 1time is running a colouring-in competition especially for them. The pictures are found in the Activity Packs that are handed out on the plane and a winner is chosen every month. 1st Prize Samsonite Sammies Funny Face • Sammies Chick duffel bag and backpack. • A copy of the in-flight magazine, abouTime, in which the picture is published. 2nd & 3rd Prize A gift hamper, sponsored by 1time, including 1time paraphernalia and a copy of the in-flight magazine, abouTime, in which the picture is published. Winners are notified by telephone and the prize is delivered directly to their door. So come on kids, enter the competition! Who knows, you could be the next winner!
Travel in Smile Cute and cheeky, Samsonite’s Sammies collection is ideal for the trendiest of little globe trotters. Manufactured to the very same exacting quality standards as their adult counterparts, this luggage for littlies is not only a perfect fit for youngsters’ needs, but also features creatures that children cannot help but love. The Sammies family started out with the Ladybird, the Crocodile and the Busy Bee and now includes the beautiful Butterfly, adorable Elephant and the cute Chick! Your child can choose from small and medium sized backpacks, a gym bag, a school bag, pencil box, a duffle bag, a 50 cm upright suitcase, a purse and an umbrella. All models are made from hardwearing 300 x 300 denier polyester. The Sammies by Samsonite range is available at leading luggage stores nationwide. To locate a stockist near you, visit www.samsonite.com or contact +27 31 266 0620.
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Joburg to Port Elizabeth M
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Departure
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T6 501
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11h15
T6 502
10h40
12h20
T6 519
12h55
14h35
T6 520
11h55
13h35
T6 515
14h10
15h50
T6 512
14h00
15h40
T6 507
16h15
17h55
T6 508
14h15
15h55
T6 511
16h30
18h10
T6 522
17h00
18h40
T6 503
19h15
20h55
T6 504
18h00
19h40
T6 509
20h15
21h55
T6 510
18h55
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T6 517
21h05
22h45
T6 518
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Departure
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Flight no.
06h50
08h40
T6 821
09h30
11h05
T6 832
08h55
10h45
T6 825
11h40
13h30
T6 834
09h00
10h50
T6 823
11h45
13h35
T6 826
09h25
11h10
T6 833
11h25
13h15
T6 824
12h00
13h50
T6 821
14h25
16h15
T6 822
13h00
14h50
T6 829
15h25
17h05
T6 830
15h35
17h25
T6 835
18h00
19h50
T6 836
Joburg to george M
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east london to joburg
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10h10
T6 331
10h45
12h15
T6 332
08h45
10h15
T6 305
11h00
12h20
T6 306
12h25
13h55
T6 319
14h30
16h00
T6 320
12h45
14h15
T6 311
14h45
16h15
T6 312
14h30
16h00
T6 315
16h30
18h00
T6 316
16h45
18h15
T6 307
18h45
20h15
T6 308
17h45
19h15
T6 309
19h45
21h15
T6 310
cape town to port elizabeth M
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george to joburg M
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Departure
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10h00
11h10
T6 704
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13h10
T6 703
13h20
14h30
T6 702
15h20
16h30
T6 701
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Joburg to Cape Town M
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07h10
09h20
T6 101
06h25
08h25
T6 100
08h45
10h55
T6 123
08h20
10h20
T6 118
09h25
11h35
T6 103
10h00
12h00
T6 102
09h45
11h55
T6 119
12h00
14h00
T6 124
11h05
13h15
T6 133
12h20
14h20
T6 104
12h45
14h55
T6 109
14h10
16h10
T6 134
14h15
16h25
T6 105
15h40
17h40
T6 110
14h45
16h55
T6 121
16h55
18h55
T6 120
15h20
17h30
T6 111
17h20
19h20
T6 106
16h25
18h35
T6 131
18h20
20h20
T6 112
16h40
18h50
T6 125
19h15
21h15
T6 132
18h00
20h10
T6 139
21h20
23h20
T6 116
18h30
20h40
T6 115
20h30
22h30
T6 138
17h45
19h55
T6 137
21h00
23h10
T6 117
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Departure
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06h40
07h50
T6 201
06h45
07h55
T6 200
07h00
08h10
T6 209
07h00
08h10
T6 220
08h45
09h55
T6 227
07h30
08h40
T6 234
09h00
10h10
T6 211
08h45
09h55
T6 202
13h00
14h10
T6 235
10h30
11h40
T6 240
13h30
14h40
T6 247
10h55
12h05
T6 248
15h00
16h10
T6 217
12h00
13h10
T6 222
15h35
16h45
T6 205
12h35
13h45
T6 238
15h35
16h45
T6 221
15h15
16h25
T6 252
16h35
17h45
T6 239
17h00
18h10
T6 212
17h25
18h35
T6 219
18h15
19h25
T6 206
17h30
18h40
T6 207
18h20
19h30
T6 236
18h45
19h55
T6 249
20h50
22h00
T6 250
19h00
20h10
T6 241
21h30
22h40
T6 230
19h10
20h20
T6 237
19h40
20h50
T6 229
20h15
21h25
T6 231
Joburg to durban M
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durban to joburg M
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cape town to east london M
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T6 602
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cape town to durban M
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06h30
08h40
T6 644
06h30
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T6 643
09h50
12h00
T6 650
07h00
09h15
T6 649
12h00
14h10
T6 652
09h00
11h15
T6 651
14h00
16h10
T6 654
10h20
12h35
T6 645
14h30
16h40
T6 646
17h00
19h15
T6 653
17h45
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T6 648
17h35
19h50
T6 647
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T6 921
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T6 922
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joburg to zanzibar M
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livingstone to joburg Flight no.
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T6 954
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T6 951
13h00
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T6 952
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Departure
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07h45
09h55
T6 153
06h30
08h30
T6 150
17h40
19h50
T6 151
15h30
17h30
T6 152
Departure
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Flight no.
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09h15
10h25
T6 271
06h05
07h15
T6 274
18h05
19h15
T6 273
15h45
16h55
T6 272
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07h45
12h45
T6 933
13h45
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T6 934
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durban to lanseria M
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joburg to mombasa M
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lanseria to durban M
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Departure
lanseria to cape town M
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zanzibar to joburg M
joburg to livingstone M
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mombasa to joburg M
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